Sarah Glass, D.D.S., has been appointed as the new interim chair of the Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, effective July 1. Glass steps into this role after the retirement of previous chair Duane Schafer, D.D.S.. 

“I’m honored to step into this role and excited about where we’re headed,” said Glass. “Our department is truly unique, filled with amazing people who bring together specialized skills, ambition and genuine compassion. I hope to build momentum through visionary leadership and a deep commitment to those around me, fostering a supportive environment that empowers everyone to excel.”

Glass brings with her a passion for teaching, research, clinical excellence and a deep commitment to advancing oral diagnostics. A respected faculty member since 2018, Dr. Glass has served in various roles, including most recently achieving promotion from Assistant Professor tenure track to Associate Professor tenured. 

“Dr. Glass has a proven commitment to academic excellence, teaching and patient care that make her exceptionally qualified to lead our Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences during this transitional period,” said Lyndon Cooper, D.D.S., Ph.D., dean of VCU School of Dentistry. “I am eager to see her excel in this new interim role.”

For Glass, the path to dentistry was shaped by a desire to understand diseases and help people heal from them. Originally from Roanoke, VA, Glass earned her B.S. in Biology from Virginia Tech before completing her Doctor of Dental Surgery from VCU School of Dentistry in 2014. She completed her certificate in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology at New York Presbyterian/Queens in 2017.

“My path to oral and maxillofacial pathology was shaped by a deep desire to understand disease and help others do the same,” said Glass. “The loss of my mother to cancer during dental school made the questions “What is this?” and “What do we do next?” profoundly personal. Pathology allows me to bring answers to those questions, and academia gives me the chance to teach others to seek them with the same urgency and care.”

In addition to research, Glass takes pride in teaching the next generation of dentists and oral pathologists. As an associate professor, she works closely with students to help them navigate complex cases and rare diseases.

“The most rewarding part of my job is helping learners develop intellectual curiosity and witnessing those ‘ah-ha’ moments,” Glass said. “As interim department chair, I look forward to multiplying these moments by supporting faculty and creating an environment where everyone can inspire that same growth.”

Glass is board certified in oral pathology with the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. She is a previous Revere Scholar and recipient of several Dean Excellence Awards including didactic teaching, humanism and mentorship. 

Her excellence in patient care and outstanding contributions to oral cancer diagnosis has been recognized by her peers and has earned her recognition as one of Richmond magazine’s ‘Top Dentists’ for the past five consecutive years, including the latest 2025 issue. 

“As I take on this new responsibility, I want to pause and express my gratitude for the guidance of the remarkable mentors who served as department chairs before me,” said Glass. “Inspired by their example, I hope to be the best version of myself in this role.”