Dr. Knight earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery and Master of Science in Restorative Dentistry degrees from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science in Health Care Education degree from the University of Detroit Mercy. He began his career as a Dental Officer in the United States Navy, after which he established a private practice where he served patients for 29 years. He began teaching in 1981 at the University of Michigan, where he was honored five times with Instructor of the Year awards, and he later served in academic affairs and clinical affairs leadership roles at the University of Detroit Mercy. 

Instructional design and outcomes assessment are Dr. Knight’s research interests, and he has published 25 articles in peer-reviewed journals on these topics. He is a nationally-recognized thought leader in the learning process that leads to dental students’ development of clinical treatment competency skills, and he has presented 47 invited workshops and presentations on the subject. 

Dr. Knight is the recipient of seven competencies awards for educational research presentations at American Dental Education Association national symposia. He is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and an active member of National and State dental professional organizations. He has held numerous leadership positions in the American Dental Education Association, serving as Chair of the sections on Academic Affairs and Educational Research and Design of Curriculum.