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. Those who have had the pleasure of knowing him will attest that he is very modest and shies away from the spotlight. However, he wanted to offer a chronology of his time at the school with thanks to those who have, in his words, made him “the luckiest guy in this building.” 

Healy graduated from NYU College of Dentistry in 1985 and spent the next 14 years in private practice. He came to VCU Dentistry in 1999 and has been with us ever since. Here are his reflections on his time here: 

Fall 1999: Volunteered on Tuesdays in Occlusion and Operative Dentistry lab

"Thank you Dr. Gibby Button for offering me the opportunity."

Spring 2000: Hired part time to cover the predoctoral student clinic

"Thank you Dr. Sarrett and Greg Council for your mentorship."

Fall 2000-2004: Transitioned from part-time into full-time position in the Department of General Practice; became course director for Cariology

"Thank you to the GP faculty for welcoming me to the department."

Fall 2004-2013: Appointed to and served as the Dean for Admissions

"Thank you Drs. Brownstein and Revere for your guidance, the Admissions Committee for their hard work and to the hundreds of students admitted that made us proud."

Fall 2013-2023: Appointed to and served as the Dean for Student Services

"Again Thank you Dr. Sarrett for the opportunity to serve, Drs. Byrne and Archer for sharing your wisdom, the Dean's Office staff in helping manage the responsibilities and the hundreds of successful students."

July 2023: Returning to part-time status as faculty in Woolwine lab

"Thank you Dr. Cooper for demonstrating kindness in all your actions." 

"Thank you to my fellow deans who keep the SoD true to its mission."

"Thank you to the faculty who make the SoD one of the best in the country."

"Thank you to the staff who make this a great place to work."

"Thank you to all the students who make our school feel like family."

"A special thank you to Cindy Cheely for making the Office of Student Services run so smoothly for the 10 years I served in this position."

"It has been a true honor and privilege to work with and alongside some many talented people."