This article was originally featured in the spring 2025 edition of Dentistry magazine, published by the school’s Office of Communications.

With a commitment to advancing dental education and patient care, new leadership at VCU School of Dentistry is shaping the next generation of dental professionals, while also meeting the oral health care needs of Virginians and beyond.

Since Dean Lyndon Cooper’s arrival in April 2022, the School of Dentistry has continued to chart its future by adding new leadership with inspirational new deans.

“We’ve built a transformational leadership team that has remarkable energy and expertise in access to care, sustainability and research and innovation, building on what is already a strong foundation here at the School of Dentistry,” said Lyndon Cooper, D.D.S., Ph.D., dean of VCU School of Dentistry.

Over the past year, three dean positions were filled following the retirements of former senior associate dean for Clinical Affairs Rick Archer, D.D.S., former senior associate dean for Academic Affairs Ellen Byrne, D.D.S., Ph.D. and former senior associate dean of Student Services Michael Healy, D.D.S.. 

As the School of Dentistry adapts to the evolving landscape of dental education, new leadership plays a crucial role in shaping the institution’s future.

"As technology and the practice of dentistry rapidly evolve, the School of Dentistry remains committed to preparing our students to become innovative, compassionate, and highly skilled professionals,” said Cooper. “Our new leadership brings fresh vision to this mission—ensuring that our students are equipped with the latest knowledge, hands-on experience and ethical foundation to excel in a changing world. With strong leadership, we do more than educate; we empower the next generation of dental professionals to lead with confidence and purpose."

Most recently, Lindsay Tierney, Ed.D., M.S., joined the school as the new assistant dean of Student Services in February 2025. Before joining the School of Dentistry, Tierney served as the student success coach at VCU School of Nursing and as an adjunct instructor at VCU, teaching student success and learning strategy courses.

“For nearly two decades now, I have funneled my passion for student success into a variety of academic environments, creating actionable initiatives that allow students to be successful academically and personally,” said Tierney. “I look forward to fostering an environment where every student feels supported and empowered to thrive.”

“Dr. Tierney brings exceptional experience and expertise in student affairs in higher education and a deep commitment to student success to her new role,” said Cooper.

Tierney’s area of research covers the spectrum of student success in higher education, including such topics as academic coaching in nursing education, student self-determination and its impact on academic progress, as well as disability access and accommodation usage in post-secondary settings.

The VCU alum said she is most looking forward to building meaningful connections with students, faculty and staff at VCU School of Dentistry.

“Supporting students through their journey in dental education, ensuring they have the guidance and skill-development needed to succeed, as well as partnering with the faculty and staff to create and maintain an inclusive and supportive learning environment that empowers both the students and educators alike,” said Tierney.

As the School of Dentistry continues to strengthen its leadership, additional appointments further underscore its commitment to academic and clinical excellence.

The new year brought another significant leadership transition with Jeff Johnson, D.M.D., M.P.H., stepping into his role as associate dean for Clinical Education, succeeding Archer.

“Dr. Johnson was an exceptional leader as chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and I am confident that his leadership will further strengthen our commitment to academic and clinical excellence and add valuable expertise to our leadership team,” said Cooper.

As associate dean for Clinical Education, Johnson provides strategic leadership and oversight for the clinical education program within the School of Dentistry, ensuring the highest standards of clinical education and training for dental students, promoting excellence in clinical practice and fostering a student-centered, patient-facing learning environment. 

While he has a wealth of academic experience, Johnson also brings exceptional experience and leadership in dental practice, having served as president and CEO of Danville Pediatric Dentistry, a multi-site practice headquartered in Danville, KY, from 2006-2020. His practices focused on providing compassionate care to children of all ages and supporting their families and caregivers.

“I am very grateful that Dr. Cooper and the selection committee had faith in me and my potential to trust me with such a pivotal role in the school,” said Johnson. “This is a great opportunity to have a larger impact on what we do here at the School of Dentistry and how we do it. My hope is that by working collaboratively with all of the stakeholders, we can continue our path towards national leaders in dental education and assure our learners graduate ready to meet the high expectations of our community.”

Similarly, the academic leadership team saw another key transition last summer with Sharon Lanning, D.D.S., succeeding Byrne as senior associate dean for Academic Affairs. Lanning has been a faculty member at VCU School of Dentistry since 2004, most recently serving as chair of the Department of Periodontics.

As senior associate dean for Academic Affairs, Lanning serves as the chief academic officer and provides leadership, planning, coordination, management and assessment of educational programs, including VCU’s Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) curriculum. 

In her role, Lanning supports faculty development around teaching excellence and identifies opportunities for continued improvement of our academic programs. Additionally, she is leading efforts for the upcoming accreditation site visit by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) in the fall of 2025.

“This role has been a long-time goal for me. I take great satisfaction in working on curriculum development and assessment to ensure the success of our students,” said Lanning. “I look forward to continuing to build strong relationships with the academic affairs team, faculty, staff and students to evolve our educational programs.”

“Dr. Lanning brings a distinct combination of experience and leadership to this important role,” said Cooper. “I believe her expertise and leadership will be invaluable in our accreditation period. She is also someone who supports interprofessional education and has led an outstanding department here at the School of Dentistry in the past.” 

The recent leadership appointments reflect the School of Dentistry’s ongoing commitment to fostering excellence in education, clinical practice and student support. Each member of the leadership team is committed to carrying on the established traditions of success of their predecessors.

With a strong, dynamic and collaborative leadership team in place, the school is well-positioned to advance its mission of shaping the future of dentistry through innovation, collaboration and a steadfast focus on student and patient success.

VCU School of Dentistry leadership team

Carlos S. Smith, D.D.S., M.Div., F.A.C.D.

Associate Dean for Ethics and Community Engagement

Smith was appointed the inaugural associate dean for Ethics and Community Engagement in 2023. Smith is nationally recognized for his expertise and leadership in ethics, professionalism, and diversity in dental education. 

Iain M. Morgan, Ph.D.

Associate Dean for Research

Chair of the Philips Institute for Oral Health Research

Morgan is the chair of the Philips Institute for Oral Health Research and associate dean for Research at the School of Dentistry. Morgan leads the SOD’s groundbreaking efforts in oral health research, working closely with VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. 

Mary T. Pettiette, D.D.S.

Associate Dean for Admissions

Since 2019, Pettiette has served as the associate dean for Admissions at VCU School of dentistry. Committed to advancing dental education, Dr. Pettiette is passionate about recruiting some of the nation’s best pre-dental students. Most recently, Pettiette also served as interim associate dean of Student Services. 

Oonagh Loughran, Ph.D.

Associate Dean for Graduate Studies

Loughran is the school’s first associate dean for Graduate Studies. She oversees the administration of all graduate research training at VCU School of Dentistry, including the Master of Science in Dentistry programs, Master of Science and Ph.D. research programs and research courses embedded within the dental and dental hygiene curriculums.

Kim T. Isringhausen, B.S.D.H., R.D.H., M.P.H.

Associate Dean for Risk, Compliance and Human Resources

Since 1995, Isringhausen has served in many roles including director of the division of dental hygiene, director of service-learning programs and assistant dean for community and collaborative partnerships. In her current role, Isringhausen provides strategic leadership, oversight and management of compliance in the areas of human resources, safety and health, health records and affiliation agreements and arrangements with external partners. 

Gloria F. Callihan, J.D., MInstF AdvDip

Associate Dean, Development and Alumni Relations

In her role as associate dean of Development and Alumni Relations, Callihan is responsible for directing, coordinating, and integrating all fundraising and alumni relations functions and activities for the School of Dentistry.