Carol Caudill, D.D.S., M.Ed., will serve as the new chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at VCU School of Dentistry, effective July 1, 2026. 

Caudill steps into this role after having served as interim chair of the department since December 2024. She also serves as an associate professor and director of pre-doctoral pediatric dentistry education.

“I feel really excited and honored to take on this new responsibility, and I'm grateful for the confidence that the School of Dentistry and my colleagues have placed in me,” said Caudill.

Caudill earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Emory University in Atlanta before returning to her home state of West Virginia to pursue her dental education. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the West Virginia University School of Dentistry in 2012 and went on to complete the Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program at VCU in 2013.

While practicing in the Richmond area, Caudill discovered her passion for pediatric dentistry through her work providing mobile dental care to elementary school students across the Commonwealth of Virginia. She completed a residency in pediatric dentistry at NYU Langone Hospital in 2019.

“To me, pediatric dentistry is so impactful because we have the opportunity to shape a child's experience of oral health and dental care for a lifetime,” said Caudill. “By seeing patients at an early age, we can often prevent dental disease before it occurs and establish healthy habits.”

“When treatment is necessary, our goal extends beyond providing high-quality clinical care; we must also create a positive, supportive experience that fosters trust and reduces anxiety. By building strong relationships with our patients and families, we can help ensure that children develop a lifelong confidence in seeking dental care and maintaining their oral health,” she added.

Since joining the VCU School of Dentistry’s Department of Pediatric Dentistry in 2019, Caudill has earned her board certification with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Committed to lifelong learning and professional growth, Caudill has continued to strengthen her leadership expertise through the completion of a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from VCU. She also graduated from the ADEA Leadership Institute, a highly selective yearlong program that prepares emerging leaders in academic dentistry for leadership roles in dental education and higher education.

Her dedication to education and providing mentorship to both students and residents is evident through her hard work over the past seven years at VCU. 

“My favorite thing about working at VCU is the relationships that I get to develop with the students, residents, faculty, staff, and patients,” said Caudill. “I love seeing the students and residents grow as providers during their time at VCU.”

“Dr. Caudill’s commitment to academic excellence, outstanding teaching, and compassionate patient care make her exceptionally well qualified to lead the Department of Pediatric Dentistry,” said Jeffrey Johnson, D.D.S., M.P.H., Ed.D., Interim Dean of VCU School of Dentistry. “Please join me in congratulating Dr. Caudill on her new role.”