Lewis Begins Appointment as Lead Nurse Practitioner
Ryan Lewis, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, was appointed the lead nurse practitioner at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry. In his role, Lewis will begin to integrate primary care services and consultation into the school’s patient care operations.
“The UNC Adams School of Dentistry is leading the way in providing whole person healthcare to its patients by having Ryan Lewis and integrating primary care services and consultation for patients at the school,” said Director of Interprofessional Education and Practice, Katharine Ciarrocca, DMD, MSEd.
“He is part of a team who can essentially provide, ‘one stop healthcare’ where he can diagnose and manage acute and chronic conditions in our patients, therefore enabling them to be able to both complete their dental care and be healthier overall.”
Lewis holds a Master of Science degree in Nursing Education, and has received post-master certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from Gardner-Webb University. He has served both community college and university nursing programs, and most recently was working as a FNP in retail health.
“Today’s healthcare challenges call for innovative solutions to access to care,” said Lewis. “Collaboration among practice disciplines in integral to meeting the challenging needs of patients. In my role as a nurse practitioner working to ensure access to care, the total well-being of patients seen here at Adams School of Dentistry will become the primary focus of the work we do.”
“Along with other colleagues, we are building an innovative model of care, unlike any other, to meet both the oral and physical health needs of patients in North Carolina. Our work is vital to the continued well-being of those we serve.”
At the UNC Adams School of Dentistry and in Carolina Dentistry, Lewis will utilize his clinical and academic expertise to help dental students navigate complex medical conditions and assist in management of patient disease.
He will also work to integrate both dental and primary care services into Carolina Dentistry to help better serve patient needs at their point-of-care.
Lewis actively participates in professional organizations, including serving as the Secretary/Treasurer of the North Carolina Nurses Association. He is also a member of the American Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society, and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
