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

On February 1, 130 members of the dental community gathered at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens for the Trailblazer Awards in celebration of the legacy and remarkable achievements of VCU School of Dentistry alumni. The recipients, Ralph Anderson, D.D.S.; Tonya Parris-Wilkins, D.D.S.; and Jason Paige, D.D.S., have made a significant impact not only within the dental profession, but also in the communities they serve. 

Sponsored by the MCV Foundation and organized by VCU Development and Alumni Relations, the Trailblazer Awards was for many, a time for reconnecting with former classmates, colleagues and mentors. 

Previous Trailblazer Award recipients, Thomas Wright, D.D.S., (D.D.S. ‘69), Erma Freeman, D.D.S., (D.D.S. ’77), and Randy Adams, D.D.S., (Cert. ‘80), were in attendance along with several faculty members and dental students with the Student National Dental Association.

For this year’s award recipients, it was a culmination of a lifelong journey. To not only pave a new path in the dental profession, but to also give back to the community and mentor others is what makes a Trailblazer.

Ralph Anderson, D.D.S. (D.D.S., ‘70) - Trailblazer Award

As the third Black graduate of VCU School of Dentistry and the first Black dentist to complete the school’s orthodontics residency, Ralph Anderson, D.D.S., certainly blazed a trail in his field. 

Dr. Anderson earned his undergraduate degree from Virginia State University and then entered the military. He became a 2nd Lieutenant in the 101st Airborne Division before transferring to the medical service corps. In 1966, he applied for and received a release from the military and enrolled in the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry.

After graduating from dental school in 1970 and completing his residency in 1975, Anderson returned to the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Dental Corps Reserves. He ultimately earned the Army Commendation Medal and the Overseas Service Ribbon, a reflection of his commitment to leadership and clinical excellence.

Proving a dedication to mentoring the next generations of dentists, Anderson served as president of the Peter B. Ramsey Dental Society and the Old Dominion Dental Society. For his leadership and clinical excellence over the years, Anderson has received numerous accolades, including the Alumni Star Award from VCU, Dentist of the Century from the Old Dominion Dental Society (2013), and the Excellence in Dental Education Award from VCU in 2005.

Tonya Parris-Wilkins, D.D.S. (D.D.S. ‘03) - Service Excellence Award

The Service Excellence Award honors an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and excellence in the field of dentistry through service-oriented contributions to patient care, community service, philanthropy, and advancements in dental practice. 

Parris-Wilkins has held leadership positions for the Virginia Health Catalyst, the Virginia Health Care Foundation and the Free Clinic of Powhatan. The Parris-Wilkins Scholarship has supported 18 students in achieving their educational goals since 2012. In addition to the scholarship, she also mentored students through programs like VCU’s Dental Careers Exploration Program and the Impressions Program.

Most recently, she and her husband, Joe Wilkins, D.P.T., received the Edward A. Wayne Medal during VCU’s December Commencement. This prestigious honor celebrates alumni who have made outstanding contributions to the university.

Parris-Wilkins described receiving the Service Excellence Award as a “shock, surprise and honor”. 

“I am very appreciative for the years of connection that I’ve had with VCU School of Dentistry. It has enhanced my life in so many ways,” Parris-Wilkins said. “I’ve had the opportunity to go from being a learner and apprentice to giving that back as an educator and mentor. In the time since then, my relationship with the school has evolved to feel more like a dedicated friendship that I am very grateful for.”

Jason Paige, D.D.S. (D.D.S. ‘06) - Emerging Trailblazer Award

The Emerging Trailblazer Award is given to an individual who has demonstrated strong leadership qualities and is steadily rising as a contributor to their community.

Since graduating from VCU School of Dentistry in 2006, Paige has been dedicated not only to treating his patients, but also to serving the community. In addition to working in private practice, he volunteers for Give Kids a Smile and free clinics in Virginia.

Paige is also dedicated to mentorship and creating spaces for underrepresented dental students. An advocate for diversity in the dental field, he has served as a mentor for Impressions Day and on the admission committee. Notably, Paige has also been Secretary of the Peter B. Ramsey Dental Society and remains an active member of the Old Dominion Dental Society.

Along with his wife, Jamelle Paige, D.P.T., Paige has generously donated to VCU School of Dentistry through scholarships such as the Dr. Francis Foster/SNDA Scholarship.

“I was so proud to be a recipient of this award,” Paige said. “I definitely never set out my career trying to be a trailblazer. I just wanted to make sure I treated my patients with respect, mentor and give advice to students when I had the opportunity, and give back to the dental school to aid the next generation of dentists.”