From Alamosa to Chapel HillDr. Harding Helps Educate Future Dentists
October 2026
Patients at Harding Dental Group know Dr. Jim Harding as their dentist. Dental students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill also know him as a teacher.
During his recent October visit to the UNC Adams School of Dentistry, Dr. Harding worked with students in the clinic, sharing the practical perspective he has developed over more than three decades in dentistry. His adjunct faculty appointment, which began in August 2026, brings his experience in private practice and clinical education into the training of future dentists.
The connection to UNC is personal. Dr. Harding earned his undergraduate degree there in 1988 and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1992. Returning to teach is an opportunity to contribute to the school that helped shape his career.
Earlier this year, he spoke to first- and third-year dental students about his professional journey. He also presented educational sessions exploring the foundations of restorative care and the planning involved in full mouth reconstruction.
In the clinic, those topics become practical: evaluating a tooth, considering treatment options, understanding how teeth fit together, and helping patients make informed decisions. Teaching gives Dr. Harding an opportunity to share both technical skills and the judgment that develops through years of caring for patients.
That exchange also brings value back to Harding Dental Group. Working alongside students and faculty encourages thoughtful discussion about materials, techniques, and the reasons behind treatment decisions.
Whether he is caring for a patient in Alamosa or guiding a student in Chapel Hill, Dr. Harding’s focus remains the same: careful planning, clear communication, and dentistry built around the individual patient.