VCU School of Dentistry has named Luciano Andrada, D.D.S., M.M.Sc., as interim chair of the Department of Periodontics. Andrada will be stepping into this role as Sharon Lanning, D.D.S., the previous chair, takes the role of senior associate dean of academic affairs.

“Dr. Andrada is a very important part of our Periodontics department and I am looking forward to seeing him step into a leadership role,” said Lyndon Cooper, D.D.S., Ph.D., dean of VCU School of Dentistry. “I would like to thank Dr. Andrada for his dedication to our school. I would also like to thank our Periodontics faculty for their hard work and continued commitment to excellence during this transition period.”

Andrada earned his D.D.S. degree from the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil in 1999, and from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2018. He completed his residency in Periodontics and obtained an M.M.Sc. at Harvard School of Dental Medicine in May 2016. From 2011 to 2013, Andrada served as an assistant researcher in the Applied Oral Sciences Department at The Forsyth Institute, focusing on inflammation resolution. He was a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Clinical Dentistry at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry from 2019 to 2021. Since July 2021, Andrada has been an Assistant Professor in the Department of Periodontics at the VCU School of Dentistry. 

“Being appointed as interim chair of the Department of Periodontics marks a significant milestone in my career, for which I am honored and grateful,” said Andrada. “While I acknowledge feeling a sense of unease stepping into this new role, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve my department and contribute actively to its continued growth and success.”

Andrada's academic achievements have been recognized through several prestigious awards, including the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation Fellowship to the Institute for Teaching & Learning in the Health Professions and the Merit in Teaching Award by the Academia Catarinense de Odontologia.

However, he takes the most pride in being a mentor to students.

“The most rewarding aspect of my job is spending time in the clinic witnessing our students develop into skilled healthcare professionals, treating our patients with confidence and empathy,” Andrada said. “I take pride in guiding them through challenges, fostering a supportive and diverse environment for learning and growth.”

He advises the Hispanic Student Dental Association (HSDA) and the Periodontal Discussion League (PDL). In these roles, he provides valuable mentorship to a diverse group of students and junior faculty members, sharing his expertise and guidance promoting a strong sense of community and inclusivity within the dental school.

He has actively served on numerous committees within the dental school, including the Academic Progress Committee, Admissions Committee, Scholarship Selection Committee and Faculty Search Committees. Additionally, Andrada is a member of the VCU Faculty Senate and serves as the VCU alternate faculty representative for the ADEA Council of Faculties.

Andrada cites Lanning, the previous chair of the Department of Periodontics, as an inspiration to him. He says he plans to continue her standard of excellence. 

“My goal is to build upon her initiatives, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and collaboration and ensuring that our faculty members have the resources and support they need to excel in their roles,” Andrada said.