School of Dentistry News

Every week, two VCU School of Dentistry dental students travel to Johnson Health Center (JHC) clinics in Lynchburg, Va., to provide care under the direction of Janna Laverdiere, D.M.D., and Brandon Newcomb, D.D.S., a VCU School of Dentistry alum. 

The VCU School of Dentistry Department of Periodontics has announced leadership changes in its graduate program.

Two VCU School of Dentistry faculty members have earned board certification and are now diplomates of the National Boards for their respective dental specialties, a pinnacle achievement in dentistry. 

VCU School of Dentistry Dean Lyndon Cooper, D.D.S., Ph.D., was presented the Dan Gordon Lifetime Achievement Award from the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) on Saturday, November 5.

The MCV Foundation has announced it will award $4 million over four years to Virginia Commonwealth University to recruit highly qualified students from underrepresented backgrounds to the university’s five health sciences programs. Scholarship recipients will go on to meet the health care needs of diverse people and communities locally, nationally and around the globe.

VCU School of Dentistry researcher Shillpa Naavaal, B.D.S., M.S., M.P.H., was recently awarded two National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants aimed at reducing oral health disparities in children.

A collaborative research effort between VCU’s Massey Cancer Center and School of Dentistry has zeroed in on a new therapeutic target for an aggressive form of breast cancer with limited treatment options.

VCU School of Dentistry’s third-annual Inclusive Excellence Week took place Oct. 17 – 21. The week of in-person and virtual events presented speakers highlighting a variety of topics such as care for the marginalized and the impacts of housing policies on health outcomes. 

On Friday, October 7, Virginia Health Catalyst held their annual summit at the Westin Hotel in Richmond, VA. The event brought together organizations and individuals from around the state who share a responsibility and commitment to advancing equity in oral health. 

Heather Tuthill, M.P.H., B.S.D.H., R.D.H, will be installed as the 2022-2023 president of the Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association (VDHA) later this month. Tuthill is the senior dental hygiene clinical coordinator for the Dental Hygiene program at VCU School of Dentistry.

A student-run organization at VCU School of Dentistry is spearheading efforts to enhance care for the Spanish-speaking Hispanic/Latinx community, while also helping dental students, staff and faculty improve their cultural competency. 

Marion Manski, M.S., R.D.H., will serve as director of the Dental Hygiene program at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry beginning October 17. The program is one of two B.S. in Dental Hygiene degree programs in Virginia, and the only one housed in a dental school.

Carlos Smith, D.D.S., M.Div., is director of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and the ethics curriculum at VCU School of Dentistry. As a trained ethicist and student of history, he examines the context in which societal practices and institutions were constructed through a lens of equality and social justice.

The Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at VCU School of Dentistry recently moved into a newly renovated space on the third floor of Dental Building One. The new clinic consolidates the VCU Cosmetic Care and Facial Surgery clinics previously on the first and second floors into a larger space more conducive to patient care and education.  

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, Missions of Mercy (MoM) returned to Wise, Va., on July 22 and 23 to provide free dental care to residents of Southwest Virginia. 

VCU’s Dental Career Exploration program is a pipeline program for rising 10th graders through graduating seniors from all over the commonwealth who are interested in exploring a career in dentistry. The goal of the free program is to increase diversity in the dental field by removing barriers for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds and underserved communities.

Rami Ammoun, D.D.S., M.S., CDT, FACP, has been named a Revere Scholar at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. Revere Scholars exemplify the highest standards of the oral health profession as modeled by James H. Revere Jr. (D.D.S. ’65), former instructor, interim dean, fundraiser, mentor and friend to the school for nearly 50 years.

SAEP is an intensive six-week summer program that simulates instruction in the first-year of dentistry, medicine, pharmacy and physical therapy professional school. Students on the dental track take professional level dental courses, participate in dental labs, learn interview skills, attend professionalism seminars, and participate in a community service project by providing health screenings to the homeless population in Richmond.

It has been said that “the road to success is always under construction,” and this past weekend we witnessed an important step made by our fourth-year dental students in building their success. 

Students at VCU School of Dentistry gain valuable practice-based experience and serve communities in need throughout Virginia by participating in the clinical service-learning program. The program allows senior dental and dental hygiene students the opportunity to treat patients at community-based and private-practice sites around the state. By serving on these external rotations, students gain critical skills working alongside practicing oral health care providers and make a profound impact on the community and people’s lives. 

Continuing on our path toward a more inclusive VCU School of Dentistry, we wanted to take a moment and reflect upon PRIDE month and recognize our LGBTQ+ community members – patients, students, staff and faculty.

Growing up in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, it was Minatallah (Mina) Ibrahim’s own challenges with oral health that drove her to pursue a career in dentistry.

Brothers Joey and David Russell are used to the jokes and gentle ribbings from their classmates. Their father, David (Al) Russell, D.D.S., is interim chair of the Department of General Practice at VCU School of Dentistry. At first, they tried to keep the connection a secret, but, ultimately, they came to embrace studying at the same school as their dad. 

Matilda Sullivan is graduating from VCU School of Dentistry with her Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree. Originally from Lynchburg, Va., Sullivan was drawn to VCU due to its excellent clinical reputation and emphasis on service. Watch the video to hear her reflect on her time at the school, her involvement in public health research and her plans to continue her education.

Jose Silverio is graduating from VCU School of Dentistry with his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree. Silverio was part of the International Dentist Program, having been a practicing dentist in the Dominican Republic prior to coming to VCU. Watch the video to hear him reflect on the close relationships he’s made in the International Dentist Program, becoming a dad while at school and his plans for the future.

When Abdullah Alawadhi, D.D.S., first came to Virginia Commonwealth University in 2007, he had been in the U.S. for less than two days.

Becoming president of the VCU Student Chapter of the American Dental Hygienists Association (SCADHA) was not something Samantha Smith had in mind when she was accepted into the Dental Hygiene program at VCU School of Dentistry in 2020. But, in the last two years, this self-described “introvert times a million” has coordinated numerous community service events at local elementary schools, organized fundraisers and even administered COVID-19 vaccinations as part of the VCU Vaccine Corps.

With the support of the Virginia Dental Association Foundation (VDAF), two Mini Missions of Mercy (MoM) projects took place March 24-26, 2022.  One project was at the Chesapeake Care Clinic in Chesapeake, Va., and the other was at the Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Center in Abingdon, Va.

To celebrate the conclusion of Women’s History Month, last week VCU School of Dentistry hosted three pioneers in the field of oral health to discuss their new book, “Undaunted Trailblazers: Minority Women Leaders for Oral Health.” Co-authors Jeanne Sinkford, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D., D.Sc., Marilyn Woolfolk, D.D.S., M.S., M.P.H., and Shelia Price, D.D.S., Ed.D., M.A., sat down with Carlos Smith, D.D.S., director of diversity, equity and inclusion and the ethics curriculum at VCU School of Dentistry, to discuss their own experiences and what brought them together to document previously untold stories of minority women who changed the dental profession.

VCU School of Dentistry is now ranked 17th among all U.S. dental schools in National Institutes of Health (NIH) research funding, according to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research (BRIMR). In 2021, the school received more than $4.8 million from the NIH to advance a wide range of oral health and biomedical research. 

Hannah Lohner, a third-year student in the Ph.D. in Oral Health program atVCU School of Dentistry, was recently awarded an F31 Fellowship Grant from the National Institutes of Health totalling nearly $120,000 over three years. Working in the lab of Huizhi Wang, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor in the Philips Institute of Oral Health, Lohner will use the funding to conduct research into processes driving diseases associated with inflammation. 

At VCU School of Dentistry, students in the Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) and Dental Hygiene (DH) programs receive hands-on education as integral team members in a fast-paced dental practice. The transition from the classroom to the clinic carries important responsibilities and a commitment to the health and well-being of their patients. Each year, second-year D.D.S. and third-year DH students symbolically celebrate their entry into the profession in a White Coat Ceremony. 

Last week at VCU School of Dentistry, more than 600 students, faculty and staff received school-branded Tervis® water bottles. The Office of Development and Alumni Relations distributed the gifts as part of a larger green initiative started by Interim Dean Clara Spatafore, D.D.S., M.S., to encourage everyone to reduce their use of disposable plastic packaging and become better stewards of the environment.

On Friday, Feb. 18, 76 children from local families received free oral health care at the VCU Dental Care Pediatric Dentistry Clinic. Part of the American Dental Association’s Give Kids a Smile initiative, each year students, faculty and staff from VCU School of Dentistry and VCU Dental Care come together to provide oral health care to children that may have otherwise gone untreated.  

As VCU School of Dentistry continues to make clear our deep commitments to belonging and inclusion, we pause to highlight the significance of various cultural heritage months paying tribute to the rich diversity of our School of Dentistry community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, patients and friends. 

A celebrated humanitarian, civil rights activist, freedom fighter and advocate for nonviolent social change, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his mission-minded legacy presents us annually with a great opportunity to examine ourselves and explore how we can be better and do more for this world, particularly for the least among us. As we continue to combat COVID-19 and its various variants – still exacerbating the myriad of global health inequities and disparities – let us stand in the tradition of what Dr. King noted as a “beloved community” doing our part to ensure all people are valued, respected and treated with dignity.

Lyndon F. Cooper, D.D.S., Ph.D., has been named dean of Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, effective April 18. Cooper currently serves as associate dean for research and head of the Department of Oral Biology at University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) College of Dentistry.

As the COVID-19 pandemic forced the world to withdraw for safety in 2020, faculty at dental schools did not report significant decreases in measures of their well-being, according to results from a study led by Carlos S. Smith, D.D.S., M.Div., at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. 

Jeffrey Levin, D.D.S., began volunteering with The Home in the spring of 2021.

Dr. Levin owned a prominent private dental office in the West End of Richmond and retired earlier this year. Serving as a clinical professor at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry for 53 years, he is well known to many, establishing himself as an esteemed mentor and professional to all who know him.

Though Virginia enacted comprehensive dental care coverage for pregnant women enrolled in Medicaid in March 2015, a significant portion of this population remained unaware of the benefit even years later, according to a study by researchers at theVirginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry.

VCU School of Dentistry recently completed its final fall Interview Day for 2021, an exciting process during which Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) applicants visit the school for a mix of orientation and interviews. While many dental schools are still conducting interviews virtually, VCU School of Dentistry has enacted safety measures to allow this tradition to continue in person so students can make an informed decision about their future.

A group at the VCU School of Dentistry has put together over 100 bags of toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss and mouthwash that will be distributed to refugees at Fort Lee.

Native American, American Indian and Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month, often referred to as National American Indian Heritage Month, is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people. Heritage Month is also an opportune time to educate the general public about tribes, to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.

The VCU Pediatric Dental Clinic located in the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU (CHoR) Children’s Pavilion was recently awarded an Interior Design Excellence Award by the Virginia/West Virginia Chapter of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). Completed in January, the clinic brought VCU Dental Care’s downtown pediatric dental care under the same roof as the rest of CHoR’s outpatient pediatric medical and surgical services.

This summer we said goodbye to two superb members of our clinical team. Charlene Chambers, former clinic manager, is assuming the role of full-time grandma. Austin Thomas, former surgical assistant, is pursuing his goal of becoming a dental hygienist. We appreciate their devotion to our residents and patients. Best wishes to Charlene and Austin!

Drs. Luciano Andrada, Amirreza Ghassemi, and Rafael Siqueira attended the School of Dentistry’s first annual new faculty retreat on Aug. 19, 2021. They were greeted by Interim Dean Clara Spatafore. New faculty, across all departments, enjoyed hearing about a number of topics including the use of technology in teaching, how to get involved in clinical research and an introduction to course directorship.

Congratulations to the Class of 2020! I am proud to acknowledge Jill Beitz (D.D.S. ’15/D; MS ’20/D), Peter Lee (M.S. ’20/D), and Denver Lyons (D.D.S. ’17/D; M.S. ’20/D) as new diplomates of the American Board of Periodontology.

Two endowments were recently established to help support the Department of Periodontics.

As we convene for the first Research Day of the new decade at the VCU School of Dentistry, there seems no better time to celebrate the illustrious career of our past Associate Dean of Research, Harvey Schenkein. Dr. Schenkein has been a fixture in both the Department of Periodontics and the VCU dental research arena since arriving in 1978 from the State University of New York in Buffalo with a Ph.D. in one hand, and a Periodontics Residency Certificate in the other. 

With sadness, we share the news of James Edward Kennedy’s passing. Dr. Kennedy served as dean of the VCU School of Dentistry from 1977 to 1983. As former chair of the Department of Periodontics, he enhanced the school’s standing in the research community and moved to forge a stronger relationship with alumni. Kennedy later served as dean of the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He played a huge role in the establishment of our periodontics department and residency program.

John Wallace, former communications professional with VCU Massey Cancer Center, will join the VCU School of Dentistry on Oct. 11. As Director of Communications, he fills a new role at the school, one created by Interim Dean Clara Spatafore, D.D.S., M.S.

National Hispanic Heritage Month, or Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana, is annually celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 in the U.S. in an effort to celebrate the history, culture and contributions of celebrates the culture and contributions of Americans tracing their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean.

It is my pleasure to share our 2020-21 Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report of Activities.

Significance of Juneteenth: Emancipation of enslaved African Americans

Continuing on our path towards a more inclusive School of Dentistry, we wanted to take a moment to both reflect and celebrate PRIDE and the recognition of our LGBTQ+ community members – patients, students, staff and faculty.

A message from Dr. Carlos Smith, director of diversity, equity and inclusion at the VCU School of Dentistry.

It is with that living history in mind, that we as a School of Dentistry community pause to honor and commemorate the life of our first Black graduate, Colonel James Avery Booker, Jr., D.D.S., M.D., FACS. Dr. Booker, a graduate of MCV’s Class of 1961, was born on May 26th, 1936 right here in the city of Richmond, Virginia. The American Dental Association Health Policy Institute has recently published that of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, the percentage of Black dentist graduates is the only demographic to decrease in recent years, at less than 5% of new graduates and less than 4% of all practicing dentists, while representing over 13% of the US population. 

Dean Spatafore received the Coolidge Award from the American Association of Endodontists at a virtual ceremony on Saturday, April 24, 2021.

Many in the dental profession are known to be high achievers – rightly so, navigating the landscape of both dental and dental hygiene education as well as the life of clinical practice, is a serious matter. But where does the healer go when they find themselves in need of healing? What does the perfectionist do amid circumstances that seem far from any logical footing?

Women’s History Month was first heralded as Women’s History Week with the US Congress passing a resolution authorizing and requesting then President Ronald Reagan to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982. A celebration of the vital role of women in both history and contemporary life, the entire month of March has been lauded as Women’s History Month since 1987.

Karl Haden, Ph.D., presents “Ethics, Leadership and the Future of the Dental Profession” on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, as part of the School of Dentistry’s Mirmelstein Ethics Lecture. The annual lecture is part of the school’s continuing education program.

Karl Haden, Ph.D., presents “Ethics, Leadership and the Future of the Dental Profession” on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, as part of the School of Dentistry’s Mirmelstein Ethics Lecture. The annual lecture is part of the school’s continuing education program.

Karl Haden, Ph.D., presents “Ethics, Leadership and the Future of the Dental Profession” on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, as part of the School of Dentistry’s Mirmelstein Ethics Lecture. The annual lecture is part of the school’s continuing education program.Last week, Dr. David Sarrett stepped down as Dean of the VCU School of Dentistry. Please join me in acknowledging his many accomplishments and honoring his years of dedicated service to the school and our university.

When pregnant, taking care of your health is more important than ever. This also includes your oral health. Because of various changes happening in your body, like hormones and eating habits, pregnancy is often a period of higher risk for gum disease, cavities and other oral health problems. Oral issues that arise during pregnancy have been associated with serious health consequences for the mother and baby, including premature birth, low birth weight and pre-eclampsia.

Going to the dentist can be described as an uncomfortable experience for some. Others may even call it a source of anxiety. But for Jim Benedict, receiving dental treatment at VCU School of Dentistry has been very rewarding.

Nearly 80 children from Richmond and surrounding communities smiled a little brighter thanks to VCU School of Dentistry’s annual Give Kids a Smile event on Friday, February 17, 2023.

Nearly 80 children from Richmond and surrounding communities smiled a little brighter thanks to VCU School of Dentistry’s annual Give Kids a Smile event on Friday, February 17, 2023.

One hundred and six Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) students and 18 Dental Hygiene (DH) students, accompanied by family, friends, faculty and staff, celebrated their transition to clinical care at the annual White Coat Ceremony on Feb. 24, 2023.

Carlos Smith, D.D.S., diversity, equity and inclusion and ethics director for the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, was honored at this year’s American Dental Education Association’s Annual Session with the inaugural Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Faculty Leadership Award.

The American Dental Education Association’s (ADEA) Annual Session concluded on March 14, and VCU School of Dentistry faculty, staff and students made their presence known through multiple awards, poster sessions and overall involvement in the conference.

On Friday, February 17, Lyndon Cooper, D.D.S., Ph.D., dean of VCU School of Dentistry, was presented the William R. Laney Award at the Academy of Osseointegration’s (AO) annual meeting in Phoenix, Az. 

Last July we welcomed three incoming first year residents who, along with Dr. Aziz Mallik, make up VCU Endo’s Class of 2025. This has really been a great group of guys to work with. We’ve all meshed well together and have made the resident room not only a place of learning, but we make sure to have some fun as well. 

It always amazes me how quickly time passes before our eyes. It has been more than a year since our last alumni newsletter, so there is much to share with you. Dr. Clara Spatafore retired from her position in June 2022. Since her arrival in October 2014, she served as interim and permanent chair of both the Endodontics and Oral Diagnostic Sciences departments. During her last 18 months at VCU she served as the interim dean for the VCU School of Dentistry. 

Hello everyone. I have been working with residents on research projects focusing on root canal morphology. These include radiographic and CBCT analysis of three-rooted premolar anatomy and the association of the portal of exit of missed MB2 canals with apical periodontitis. 

We had a very productive year at the predoctoral clinic during the 2022-2023 academic year. I kept myself busy revising and improving the curriculum, planning new activities, and mentoring students.

VCU School of Dentistry has named Carlos S. Smith, D.D.S., M.Div., F.A.C.D., as the inaugural associate dean for inclusive excellence, ethics, and community engagement, effective April 24. 

As the new dean, I have not had the opportunity to know our graduates and many of the faculty and staff who accompanied the class of 2022 along their academic journey. But, in three short weeks here, I certainly have come to appreciate the strengths of all things VCU Dentistry. I am thrilled to be part of this graduation celebration.

When we are continually reminded of the tragedy of hatred and the heartache that rises from racial bias, perhaps it becomes too easy to not say anything at all. Yet, many impacted gravely suffer silently without support. My hope is that we will one day learn to be a society that respects and celebrates each other’s differences. Surely, the recent weeks provide evidence that we have not.

The inspiration of warm weather and the longer days encourage us toward greater activity. We are planning our vacations, enjoying nature and looking forward to holiday weekends. June is an inspiring month! June is Pride Month.

Oral health is important and the impact of oral health professionals is sometimes understated, but the reality is that oral health is critical to overall health and we play a tremendous role in improving peoples’ quality of life.

As we returned from the long July 4th holiday weekend, we were greeted with new opportunities to extend oral health care to the community. We are grateful that the Virginia legislature provided a 30% increase in Medicaid dental benefit reimbursements that may encourage more dentists to provide and more patients to seek dental care in both the dental school and in the community.

In today’s edition of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Dr. Anthony Faber’s research efforts to understand and combat the pathophysiology of cancer is on prominent display on the front page. It reminds me that research is a central part of our professional commitment that is often overshadowed by the equally important but more visible teaching and delivery of patient care within our School of Dentistry.

It’s a new year, with new students, a few new staff members, some new faculty and new aspirations. Welcome all, and thank you for choosing to be a part of VCU School of Dentistry.

There’s a lot of learning going on! I’ve spent time visiting our clinics and classrooms and have been impressed with the level of engagement I’ve seen everywhere I go.

Today, I met a new faculty member. A few weeks ago, I met three others. And just a few months ago, I was that new faculty member. I have spent some time reflecting on what joining a new institution and moving to a new city has meant to me and my family.

I had the pleasure of spending part of last weekend at the VDA Showcase in Williamsburg, Virginia. It was among the first of returning to in-person meetings and it was encouraging and refreshing to watch audience members’ responses to speakers’ remarks, to see hugs among old friends, to hear about others’ experiences, to feel the buzz in the exhibition hall, to share ideas, to enjoy a meal and entertainment with new and old friends, and to take a quiet moment to reflect on the good fortune of being a part of this phenomenal profession. 

Two weeks ago, Dr. Omar Abubaker, chair of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, shared in the Richmond Times Dispatch some important facts, thoughts and emotions about the ongoing opiate crisis facing our society. I am grateful for his efforts to highlight the ongoing crisis of opiate addiction and death.

The early fall is a busy time in academic dentistry. For the VCU School of Dentistry community it’s been a particularly busy time, and for the dean, well, let’s say that October has been a whirlwind of exciting and important events. We have new faculty joining Oral Surgery, General Dentistry, and Prosthodontics and we have also welcomed a new director of our Dental Hygiene program. 

Last Friday, I had the pleasure of hosting the Dean’s Advisory Board luncheon. Former deans, faculty and students traveled various distances, taking time from their practices to show their commitment to VCU School of Dentistry. I was excited to share my first six months’ experiences and impressions of the School, and I highlighted the ongoing activities in our preclinical, clinical, post-doctoral, research and service environments. 

Next week, we will celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. Irrespective of the different ways that we may choose to embrace this day, it reminds me that beyond the gastronomic excess, football, and relaxation of a cool fall day, there is the important theme of gratitude.

Welcome to December. This is a time when we begin planning celebrations and vacations, dreaming about seeing old friends and family and enjoying some time off.

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”  – John F. Kennedy

Happy New Year to everyone. I hope you all enjoyed the winter break and are energized for a successful spring semester. Already, we have much to celebrate. 

Last week, I journeyed with several faculty to see what new technologies and materials are and will be available to dentists and dental students in the coming months and years. Viewing our possible future is an important part of estimating what our dental school curriculum should include going forward.

The end of February was a remarkably busy time and a reminder of all that VCU School of Dentistry does so well and what we try to do even better. We can celebrate our educational achievements by knowing that 100% of our students passed the Integrated National Board Examination, and we approached – but not quite achieved – that perfect mark on the equally challenging Prosthodontic and Endodontic Board Examinations.

What a week it has been! I write this message transitioning from the American Association for Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research’s (AADOCR) Annual Meeting to the Academy of Osseointegration’s (AO) Annual Meeting. Earlier this week, I attended the American Dental Education Association’s (ADEA) Annual Session along with a number of our faculty, students and staff.

In a little more than a month, we’ll celebrate graduation with our senior dental and dental hygiene students. These concluding weeks will be busy and exciting, and both classes should be proud of all they have accomplished. The class of 2023 achievements reflect outstanding performance facing extraordinary circumstances.

Today marks the end of my first year as Dean, having shared with all of you what is great about our VCU School of Dentistry. Thank you all for welcoming me and my family to VCU and Richmond.  And thank you all for your dedicated service to the school and this university. 

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the Reunion Weekend events. I enjoyed every moment of it. Great food, remarkable entertainment, fulfilling education, poignant memories and wonderful parties all contributed to the reunion’s success. 

An annual tradition during graduation week at VCU School of Dentistry, the Senior Awards Ceremony recognizes students who went above and beyond what was expected of them during their time at the school. This year, 54 awards were given honoring students in our Doctorate of Dental Surgery and Dental Hygiene programs.

Destiney Coles is the youngest graduate of the Dental Hygiene Class of 2023 at VCU School of Dentistry. At just 20 years old, Coles graduates this week with a bachelor’s degree at an age when most of her peers typically start the program. 

The U.S. Military Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) is a unique opportunity for individuals interested in careers in health care who would also like to serve their country. This year, VCU School of Dentistry has four graduating dental students who have made a year-for-year commitment to service in exchange for education. 

Saleh Smadi immigrated to the U.S. from a rural region of Jordan, where his access to health care and education was limited. Now a standout student at VCU’s School of Dentistry, he is driven to use his skills to help underserved communities.

This morning, VCU School of Dentistry’s Class of 2023 celebrated their hooding ceremony, marking their successful graduation from dental school. Gathering in the Dominion Energy Center, students, faculty, family and guests shared in the formality of hooding each dental student and pinning of each dental hygiene student. 

The past few weeks have been a very busy time for all of us, and we’ve had a week or so to reflect on reunion and graduation activities. I’ve especially enjoyed this time to regroup and consider our successes and next opportunities. 

Continuing on our path towards a more inclusive School of Dentistry, we wanted to take a moment and reflect upon PRIDE Month and the recognition of our LGBTQ+ community members—patients, students, staff, and faculty.

Can you believe that another year has passed? Happy 2023! I guess I would characterize our current situation as being settled back to normal. The past couple of years have been rather tumultuous with a lot of uncertainty. We have been through three Deans, had a clinic shutdown of about eight weeks, worked with maximum PPE, even did annual interviews virtually in 2020, almost moved to a new clinical facility but went through a modest renovation instead and, now, things are just about normal again.

Jeffrey Johnson, D.M.D., M.P.H., will serve as the new chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at VCU School of Dentistry beginning July 1. Johnson joins VCU from LSU Health-New Orleans School of Dentistry, where he has served as chair of the Department of Pediatrics and director of the Advanced Education Program in Pediatric Dentistry since August 2020. 

In a recent article published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, Vujicic and David offered insights into value-based care in dentistry.

VCU School of Dentistry has named Oonagh Loughran, Ph.D., as the school’s first associate dean for graduate studies, effective July 1. Since joining VCU School of Dentistry in 2013, Loughran has focused on improving graduate research. This includes creating the curricula and directing the Ph.D. program in Oral Health Research with concentrations in cancer, infection and immunology, and bioengineering as well as the Oral Biology concentration in the Masters in Microbiology and Immunology program. 

After this week, Michael Healy, D.D.S., M.Ed., will step down from his role as senior associate dean of student services, one he has served in since 2013. However, Healy has been with VCU School of Dentistry for much longer than that, and thankfully he will continue to be part of the team going forward helping to instruct our first-and second-year students in the school’s simulation labs.

I think about our school’s goals and mission every day. And on this Sunday evening as I prepared for the week ahead, those thoughts were elevated in ambition and optimism. Monday morning came with the arrival of new leaders in our School of Dentistry who will surely assist us in achieving our goals around access to care, sustainability of our caring culture and continued growth of research and innovation.

VCU School of Dentistry is well represented in the latest edition of Richmond magazine’s list of Top Dentists. Each July, Richmond Magazine publishes an annual list celebrating the region’s most outstanding dental professionals, as selected by their peers in an annual survey. 

Since 2000, the Wise Mission of Mercy project has provided free dental care to underserved residents of Southwest Virginia and surrounding communities with limited access to oral health care. This year's project was no different. During the two-day event on July 28 and 29, more than 300 volunteers served 458 patients, providing free oral health care valued at more than $471,000. Patients received free dental care such as dental exams, cleanings, fillings, restorations and extractions.

We’re back! The new semester is here and there is much to celebrate. First of course are our newest residents, international students and first year dental students we welcomed a few weeks earlier. Next, we have added new faculty and we extend our special greetings to our most recent arrivals. 

When unfortunate circumstances meet unexpected opportunities, great solutions can be found. This fortunate circumstance presented itself last week as our friends, colleagues, students, staff and faculty of VCU School of Dentistry participated in the 2023 Wise Mission of Mercy project.

Ice cream. Who would have thought that an ice cream sandwich carried such a powerful message? Yesterday, our Staff Committee members surprised others throughout the school with various ice cream treats. The message was: We care that you enjoy working with us. I agree.

No sooner had the VCU School of Dentistry expanded its Oral Medicine Clinic to include Orofacial Pain than the burgeoning wholistic diagnostic science became nationally recognized in the U.S.

Nearly one-third of VCU School of Dentistry's full-time faculty joined us within the past two years. We recently spoke to three new faculty members and asked what attracted them to VCU and much more.

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry has been awarded a $970,000, five-year Dental Faculty Loan Repayment Program (DFLRP) grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

School is back in session. It’s the perfect time for a fresh start with a healthy, bright smile. Unfortunately, that is not the case for some. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tooth decay, also known as cavities, is the most common chronic childhood disease in the United States and the leading cause of missed school among children. 

This past May, Laura Choque earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from VCU School of Dentistry, but she started her dentistry journey as a undocumented immigrant. At the age of nine-years-old, Choque and her family came to the United States with a dream. A dream of freedom and the opportunity of a better life.

VCU School of Dentistry's strategic planning process identified several values that we have summarized as "CARE," our acronym for Compassion, Accessibility, Respect and Excellence. 

VaCora Oliver-Rainey, D.D.S., assistant professor in the Department of General Practice at VCU School of Dentistry, is one of five VCU faculty members to receive grant funding from VCU Libraries to support the development of a free digital textbook.

VCU School of Dentistry invites the oral health community to participate in the Virginia Implant Excellence Week (VIEW) November 6-10. Focusing on all aspects of the dental implant process, the week of continuing education events seeks to engage oral health professionals in all capacities, culminating in a symposium at the Westin Hotel on November 10. 

Kristen Robbins, M.P.H., B.S.D.H., R.D.H. (B.S.’16), a VCU School of Dentistry alumna and adjunct professor, will be installed as the 2023-24 president of the Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association (VDHA) at the VDHA annual business meeting on the weekend of Oct. 27. 

Anthony Faber, Ph.D., a professor in the Philips Institute for Oral Health Research at VCU School of Dentistry and Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, is being awarded four grants totaling more than $6.3 million to aid in the development of new targeted therapies for neuroblastoma and synovial sarcoma, two rare cancers affecting children and young adults. 

Hosted by the Office of Inclusive Excellence, Ethics and Community Engagement, this year’s fourth-annual Inclusive Excellence Week was held Oct. 16 – 20. The week of in-person and virtual events engaged the School of Dentistry community in important conversations regarding racism, social determinants of health, disability justice, barriers to inclusive excellence and improving care for LGBTQIA+ individuals. 

The first-ever Virginia Implant Excellence Week Symposium was held on November 10, 2023 and was attended by more than 150 oral health professionals from across Virginia. It featured nationally renowned experts in implant dentistry, who discussed everything from clinical care and digital workflows to implant materials and practice management. 

I’m sure that we are all planning our Thanksgiving holiday activities and thinking about a few days of rest and enjoyment. This is a special holiday celebrating gratitude. Elie Wiesel stated:  “For me, every hour is grace. And I feel gratitude in my heart each time I can meet someone and look at his or her smile.”

Ashley “Lee Lee” Stokes is the winner of the 2023 VCU School of Dentistry Hazel Luton Award for Staff Excellence, which honors staff who are outstanding advocates for students, have a strong work ethic, and show a special appreciation for the school and everyone in it. Stokes was enthusiastically nominated by a number of the school’s dental students as well as her colleagues, and she was chosen unanimously by the nominating committee. 

The VCU Department of Periodontics recently traveled to Austin, Texas for the American Academy of Periodontology Annual Meeting. The department made a strong presence in several aspects of the event. 

Kristen Robbins, M.P.H., B.S.D.H., R.D.H. (B.S.’16), a VCU School of Dentistry alumna and adjunct professor, was installed as the 2023-24 president of the Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association (VDHA) at the VDHA annual business meeting on the weekend of Oct. 27. 

Lyndon Cooper, dean of VCU School of Dentistry, outlines how patients and communities statewide will benefit alongside students, faculty and researchers.

Led by Shillpa Naavaal, the study explores racial and ethnic disparities and could strengthen oral health care statewide.

When Annelise Goetz found out she was the 2023/2024 recipient of the Virginia Dental Association (VDA) Scholarship, she was extremely grateful.

In 2022, the PATH Foundation and the Fauquier Free Clinic teamed up with the Virginia Dental Association Foundation (VDAF) Missions of Mercy (MOM) team to host the Piedmont Smiles Free Dental Day in Warrenton.

As the only dentist on the otherwise all-physician committee, Schafer's appointment underscores his expertise in the field.

Each year, VCU School of Dentistry and VCU Dental Care come together to provide oral health care to children that may have otherwise gone untreated.

In celebration of Black History Month, we are sharing an article written by Kamara Horton, dental assistant in our Pediatric Dental Clinic, honoring her grandfather, William “Billy” Smith, who participated in the Greensboro lunch counter sit-in in 1960.

A group from VCU School of Dentistry and Dental Care recently partnered with Peter B. Ramsey Dental Society/Old Dominion Dental Society members to provide dental screenings at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School in Richmond, Va. Volunteers included members of the school's Student National Dental Association (SNDA) chapter, faculty aligned with the National Dental Association, pediatric dentistry residents and VCU Dental Care staff.

The American Dental Education Association hosted their annual conference from March 9-12 in New Orleans. VCU School of Dentistry faculty, staff and students made their presence known through multiple awards, poster sessions and overall involvement in the conference.

Jack Kaufman visited VCU School of Dentistry for the first time in December 2021 in need of dentures after overcoming drug addiction. With the help of our dental students and their attending faculty Dr. Charles Janus, he was able to complete the journey to a new smile.

Spring is here. My allergies confirm this! But, spring is also evidenced by the tremendous activities going on in the School of Dentistry.

Fourth-year dental students Jenna Chun, Ahmad Elmotaseb, Bailey Larkin, Sierra Suarez Friend and Cameron Walker are not only MoM coordinators, but friends and colleagues. The students spend many hours together, working to organize and set up the event down to the last detail.

As recipients of National Health Service Corps Scholarships, Trevor Perkins and Aufia Zhowandai are improving access to dental care, while also following their passions of serving underserved communities.

Student researchers displayed findings of their research at VCU School of Dentistry’s Research Day poster presentation on April 18, 2024.

Dr. Awab Abdulmajeed, assistant professor in the Department of General Practice, director of the International Dentist Program and Dr. Rafael Siqueira, assistant professor in the Department of Periodontics, director of Graduate Periodontics, have been named Revere Scholars at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry.

The Student National Dental Association at VCU hosted the 13th annual SNDA Oral Cancer Walk at Abner Clay Park on April 14. Participants walked to raise awareness for oral cancer and raise money to support the Philips Institute for Oral Health Research.

For more than a century, the Peter B. Ramsey Dental Society has been supporting and nurturing generations of Black dentists in the Richmond area.

The VCU School of Dentistry Office of Inclusive Excellence, Ethics and Community Engagement hosted Answering the Call: Thriving as Men of Color in Healthcare on March 28. The half-day symposium served to bridge the gap for undergraduate students to experience the richness and depth of opportunity available to them across the health sciences campus community.

Established by School of Dentistry alum Roger Wood, D.D.S., and his wife Karen, the Roger Wood Special Care Dentistry Clinic will serve as a much-needed care provider for Virginians with disabilities and further train future oral health professionals how to care for a diverse population. 

Dr. Janina Lewis was recently honored with a WISDM Professional Achievement Award, awarded to female faculty members who go above and beyond in their field. 

An annual tradition during graduation week at VCU School of Dentistry, the Senior Awards Ceremony recognizes Doctor of Dental Surgery and Dental Hygiene students who went above and beyond what was expected of them during their time at the school. 

Under a partnership with the VCU School of Dentistry, the Chesapeake clinic provides greatly expanded care to the community. Through the school’s Service Learning Program, senior VCU dental and dental hygiene students gain real-world experience while providing much-needed oral health care to people who might struggle to access it elsewhere.

VCU dental hygiene student, a military veteran, wants to instill a confidence in patients that promotes long-term connections.

With the approval of the $5.2 million in planning funds, VCU can now begin developing initial project planning documents and schematic designs to determine the full scope of construction needs.

As the Class of 2024 says goodbye to dental school, three students will be entering the military and serving their country by providing oral health care.

A winding path from the Middle East, including years as a trained practitioner, led Dr. Muhannad “Mo” Ghazal to VCU so that he can treat patients in the U.S.

Speaking to 50 pre-dental students inside a lecture hall of the Baxter Perkinson Building, Dr. Darriel Cannon (D.D.S. ‘19) was tasked with reflecting on his journey of becoming a dentist and giving an inspiring call to action for the next generation of dental professionals following in his footsteps.

Emiliya Shulgan is the most recent recipient of the Oonagh Loughran, Ph.D., and Iain Morgan, Ph.D., Scholarship, which is offered to first-generation dental students. The scholarship was established by the husband-and-wife team of Dr. Morgan, director of the Philips Institute for Oral Health Research at the VCU School of Dentistry, and Dr. Loughran, the school’s associate dean for graduate studies.

As a new school year approaches and VCU School of Dentistry prepares to welcome its newest class, changes to the General Practice groups will be implemented to enhance student success, improve patient experiences and increase access to care.

There is great excitement about the news that we will begin planning a new building for our School of Dentistry. But, there’s also much to consider regarding our present home. 

Despite receiving planning authorization to construct a new dental school building in May 2024, VCU School of Dentistry is committed to continuously improving the current dental buildings to create a better experience for patients, students and faculty.

In the summer of 2022, Richard D. Archer, D.D.S., senior associate dean of clinical affairs and associate professor at the VCU School of Dentistry, learned of a problem with the quality of shrouds and enlisted the help of da Vinci Center students to create a new design.

Each year, Special Smiles and the Virginia Dental Association Foundation’s (VDAF) Mission of Mercy project collaborate to provide free comprehensive dental care to Special Olympics athletes like Robert Harris.

VCU School of Dentistry has named Sharon K. Lanning, D.D.S., as senior associate dean for academic affairs, effective July 10. 

Drs Quinnie Phan and Marshall Adzima graduated from VCU School of Dentistry in 2023 and have become volunteers with the Fauquier Free Clinic.

An era is coming to an end at Virginia Commonwealth University as B. Ellen Byrne, D.D.S., Ph.D., retires after an extraordinary 50-year journey that saw her transition from student to resident, faculty member and finally, academic dean.

VCU School of Dentistry has named Terence Imbery, D.D.S., as chair of the Department of General Practice, effective July 1.

VCU School of Dentistry has named Luciano Andrada, D.D.S., M.M.Sc., as interim chair of the Department of Periodontics.

The Commission currently publishes, in its accredited lists of programs, the year of the next site visit for each program it accredits. In addition, the Commission posts its spring and fall site visit announcements on the Site Visit Process and Schedule area of the Commission’s website for those programs being site visited in the current and next year.

VCU School of Dentistry faculty and alumni are raising the bar for excellence in dentistry in the Richmond region, according to the latest edition of Richmond magazine’s Top Dentists list.

As oral health care professionals, great teamwork resulted in provision of care for over 600 people in just two days. 

For 25 years, the Virginia Dental Association Foundation’s Missions of Mercy project has provided free dental care to the residents of Southwest Virginia and surrounding communities with limited access to healthcare.

Bryan Limmer, D.M.D., M.S., has been named the director of the Division of Prosthodontics and the director of undergraduate implant dentistry at VCU School of Dentistry.

Starting dental school can be hard for anyone. Especially for first generation dental students or students from historically underrepresented backgrounds, receiving guidance and support can make a life-changing difference.

The first and third floors of Lyons Dental Building have gotten a face lift in the form of a photo project. Brightly colored photos of students and faculty at work, learning in the clinics and having fun at school events now line the halls.

Carlos Smith, D.D.S., M.Div., associate dean for Inclusive Excellence, Ethics and Community Engagement, was recently appointed as the President of American Society for Dental Ethics (ASDE) and Chair-elect of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Annual Session Program Committee.

Seven VCU School of Dentistry faculty members were inducted into the International College of Dentists (ICD) USA Section at the 2024 ICD USA Section Annual Meeting. The ceremony was held in Nashville, Tennessee on September 7.