Getting To Know Our New Dean

Getting to Know
Our New Dean
VCU School of Dentistry
Spring 2011
Editor-in-Chief
Edward G. Kardos
Contributing Editor
Cristina Woods
Editorial Committee
Jim Doyle
Edward G. Kardos
Dr. James H. Revere, Jr.
Brian Thomas
Cristina Woods
Contributing Writers
Dr. James C. Burns
Dr. B. Ellen Byrne
Edward G. Kardos
Dr. James H. Revere, Jr.
Dean David Sarrett
Cristina Woods
Photographers
Ruth Compton
Allen T. Jones
Layout & Design
Neal Hanchey
School of Dentistry Current
Board of Advisors
Dr. Gerald Brown
Ms. Melanie Callanta-Swain
Ms. Stephany Covington
Dr. William Covington
Dr. Terry Dickinson
The Honorable Franklin Hall
Dr. Claire Kaugars
Dr. Michael McMunn
Dr. W. Baxter Perkinson, Jr.
Dr. John Philips
Dr. A. Carole Pratt
Dr. Pamela Regimbal
Dr. Warren Sachs
Dean David Sarrett, Board of Advisors Chair
Dr. James Watkins
Dr. Tonya Parris-Wilkins
Please send alumni news, suggestions
and corrections to:
Cristina Woods
P: (804) 828-4516
F: (804) 628-6775
[email protected]
PO Box 980566
Richmond, VA 23298-0566
To learn more about the VCU School of
Dentistry, visit www.dentistry.vcu.edu.
Introducing Dean Sarrett 2
Who We Are 10
Alumni Accolade 14
School of Dentistry News 16
MCV Alumni Association 25
Dean’s Greeting
Dear Friends,
Another academic year has come to a
close, and our school has continued to
change and grow. I received the great personal and professional honor of being named
dean of the VCU School of Dentistry, and I
look forward to rising to the occasion and
serving the school and its constituents.
If you find yourself in the Dean’s Office,
you’ll see a long hallway adorned with black
and white pictures of the past deans of the
school. As I look at the pictures of the 14
educators who came before me dating all the way back to 1893, I am
both excited and inspired to be number 15. The former leaders of our
school created and sustained a high standard of excellence, which keeps
us all striving for greatness.
Within the following pages, I have detailed my plans for keeping the
school on its current path toward excellence. In keeping with VCU’s priorities laid out by President Michael Rao, we must focus on developing
the research profile of our school. To help achieve this higher profile,
we must increase the size of our faculty as well as offering opportunities
for growth for current faculty and staff. Additionally, in light of everdwindling financial support from the Commonwealth, we must grow the
amount of scholarships available to our students to keep the VCU
School of Dentistry a financially viable option for top-quality dental education.
As you flip through this magazine, my hope is that you’ll get to know
us a little better. I want to introduce you to some of our (many!) outstanding students. Take a moment to find out more about our dedicated
faculty, staff and part-time faculty. Get the buzz on what our incredible
alumni are doing to change the world and make it better through creative dentistry. Learn about the programs designed to excite young students about the dental profession and entice them to come to the VCU
School of Dentistry.
And we want to know you better too. If you haven’t been here in a
while, I encourage you to come visit the students, faculty and staff that
make our school such a remarkable place.
What an honor to be the 15th dean of our wonderful school. With
your help, I know that we will achieve greatness.
Best wishes,
David C. Sarrett, D.M.D., M.S.
Dean, VCU School of Dentistry &
Associate Vice President for Health Sciences, Faculty Affairs
A Plan for the Future
Only two weeks after the announcement that I would be the
School of Dentistry’s new dean effective December 1, 2010, I was
tasked with creating and unveiling an aggressive 10-year strategic plan
to the dental school faculty.
The plan is a work in progress, but I’ve had a great opportunity as
interim dean to think through the direction in which we, as a team,
need to take the school over the next decade. I had the privilege to
meet with and listen to faculty and staff during this time, and I’ve identified priorities for the school that very much reflect those of the entire
university. The priorities described below have been mutually agreed
upon by both VCU President Michael Rao and Vice President for Health
Sciences Sheldon Retchin, and I will strive to meet these and all goals
set for the School of Dentistry within the next 10 years during my
tenure as dean.
The State of the School
VCU
VCU School
School of
of Dentistry
Dentistry
Priorities
Priorities
1) Building the research enterprise of
the school with a focus on oral and
head & neck cancer and bioengineering in collaboration with the
Massey Cancer Center and the other
VCU schools;
2) Enhancing education, research and
patient care outcomes through
growth of the faculty in strategic
areas and through faculty and staff
development;
3) Recruiting and retaining talented and
innovative faculty, staff and students;
4) Building a strong and collaborative
alliance with the Virginia Dental
Association and the alumni;
5) Growing the clinical enterprise
through expansion of services in
strategic areas;
6) Creating a productive and supportive
environment for education and work
with a commitment to diversity.
2 VCU School of Dentistry
My general assessment is that our research facilities are in good
condition in the new W. Baxter Perkinson, Jr. Building. Although this is
good news on the surface, our clinical facilities in some areas are worn
or not constructed for efficient practice. During the winter of 2011, the
school underwent a professional space assessment to better inform our
plans for any future renovations. One of the most important findings is
we lack a visible and conspicuous patient entrance – a practice “storefront” so to speak.
In February 2010, the school received a perfect accreditation review
in D.D.S., advanced dental education programs and our B.S. program in
Dental Hygiene. The faculty deserves a great deal of credit for building
our strong programs. We are providing high caliber education despite a
budget and faculty size that is low compared to our peer schools.
I’m also very pleased that we have a strong relationship with our
alumni and the Virginia Dental Association. As we move forward, we
will continue to maintain and build stronger ties with all our friends in
the Commonwealth and beyond.
An area in which I’d like to see improvement for the School of
Dentistry is gaining and retaining new patients. By attracting a variety
of patients, new and challenging cases will be presented to our students and the faculty. As we recruit new clinical faculty members, it is
important that they can practice to support their salary, develop new
skills and create teaching material. We have work to do in how our
patient care system caters to the needs of patients. We must function
more like a dental practice and less like a university clinic. I invite you
to visit our new Dentistry@VCU website at www.dentistryatvcu.com.
Another area of concern is our low number of full-time faculty compared with other research-intensive schools. Our faculty’s
teaching load is too heavy to permit the time to develop the clinician-scholars needed to take our school to the next level. The
disparity of salary as faculty members compared to practicing dentists is immense. Current salaries are not competitive and greatly contribute to a high rate of turnover within the school and low interest among new graduates to commit to academic careers.
It takes years to develop the skills and knowledge of faculty members to be creative, effective teachers, scholars and
researchers. Recruit, Develop, Retain, Reward.
Vision for the Next Decade
Over the next 10 years, it is my goal for our school to attract 30 to 35 new, full-time faculty members. We will need to
increase salaries to be viewed as a competitive employer in the job market. We aim to substantially increase our research grant
awards through the expansion of the faculty. This will move our ranking of funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
up approximately 20 spots in a positive direction to around 15 out of 56 schools. We are currently ranked 35 of 56 schools of
dentistry in the amount of funding we receive from the NIH.
Only 47 of the US dental schools have any funding from the
National Institutes of Health Rankings –
NIH. There are many other types of research and educationFunding Awarded to Schools of Dentistry
al funding for which we can compete, but we must have the
faculty size and support for its work.
Research and Faculty Development
are Key
Why are research and faculty development so important?
To put it plainly, faculty members who are engaged in
research question what they do and what they teach. The
act of questioning the science and practice of dentistry
moves the curriculum forward for today’s students. A dental
school without a firm scientific foundation becomes a trade
school.
The VCU School of Dentistry has long been engaged in
research and has received continuous funding from the NIH
and other external agencies and foundations to carry out
innovative research projects. NIH funding is the benchmark
for separating dental schools that are seriously engaging in
research from those who are not. The dental schools that are
steeped in scientific discovery and information generation
are leaders of the field. These prolific schools are the reason
dentistry is a profession and not just a trade. The great news
is that we are ranked among a number of schools with similar amounts of funding, and, with a few innovations and a
spirit of entrepreneurship, we can move up a significant
number of positions in the ranking to greatly advance our
school.
(shown in millions)
0
5
10
15
20
Our total faculty count is low compared to other dental
schools in relation to the size of our educational mission and
SPRING 2011 3
A Plan for the Future
student body. Our school currently has 89 full-time-equivalent faculty members, but similarly sized schools have
120 full-time-equivalent faculty members. Additionally,
salary rates for faculty members must be increased to
attract new talent and to retain the talented individuals
currently working at the school. Current salaries for faculty members at the School of Dentistry are, on average,
between 50 and 70 percent of the salaries available in private practice. With dental students graduating with an
average educational debt of more than $200,000, it is no
wonder there is little interest in academic careers among
U.S. dental graduates. Indeed, we see larger numbers of
highly qualified foreign dental graduates who have
advanced dental and research training in the U.S. who
apply for our faculty positions. These foreign dental graduates do not have the debt of U.S. graduates and place
high value on being faculty members. Unfortunately, we
cannot recruit some of the most promising new faculty
because of the Virginia dental licensure laws. The good
VCU School of Dentistry
Operating Budget
Fiscal Year 2010
Did you know? The VCU
School of Dentistry generates 30 percent of its own
budget by seeing patients
within student, resident
and faculty clinics.
4 VCU School of Dentistry
news is the Virginia Dental Association is helping us to
resolve this problem.
Faculty time for research and scholarship is greatly
limited because these overstretched teachers are constantly needed in a classroom or clinic setting. Part of our
strategic emphasis moving forward will be to recruit faculty in the areas of general dentistry and high-need specialty areas and biomedical scientists who will collaborate
with other health sciences, the Massey Cancer Center and
the School of Engineering. The teaching load in the clinical departments needs to be decompressed with additional faculty. These departments need to recruit and develop
clinician-scholars who will be supported to develop into
master clinicians and clinical investigators as well as
teachers.
Future Funding Needs Through 2021
The funding of this ambitious 10-year plan is complex. A combination of new research dollars, collabora-
Funds Sources
Tuition & Fees
State General Fund Contribution
Continuing Education
Active Grants & Contracts
Unrestricted Non-State Source
Restricted Non-State Source
Other
Completed Grants & Contracts Residuals
MCV Hospital Services
Amount
Percent
$12,393,530
$3,359,453
$263,167
$3,176,965
$1,773,064
$1,792,438
$1,508,964
$85,879
$997,508
31%
8%
1%
8%
4%
4%
4%
0%
2%
Total Funds in University Accounts $25,350,969
63%
Student Clinical
Graduate Clinical
Faculty Practice
$2,273,287
$7,622,134
$2,018,584
6%
19%
5%
Total Clinical Revenue
$11,914,005
30%
Endowment Payout from MCVF
Gifts (Deposited into MCVF)
$575,917
$2,082,856
1%
5%
Total from Donors
$2,658,782
7%
Total Income
$39,923,756
100%
tive efforts with other schools, flexibility with tuition
and new tuition dollars, bolstered clinic revenue and
private dollars will be the catalyst for our school to
advance to the level I am describing.
What’s the bottom line? Our goal is to increase the
operating budget by $12 million to realize all of the
priorities for the school – and it’s achievable. Our
school currently operates on a budget of just under
$40 million. If we can increase that by 25 or 30 percent, our school will be winning more research
grants, we will have a larger faculty, we will be more
competitive for students with other dental schools,
and we will provide new experiences for our students
and residents. We will enhance the scientific basis for
our profession.
Consistent with the University’s mission, the following Mission Statement guides the School of Dentistry’s
programs: The school’s mission is to provide educational programs that prepare graduates qualified to provide
dental care services; generate new knowledge through
research and other scholarly activity; and provide quality oral health care to the public and service to the community.
Our vision is to provide nationally acclaimed programs that endeavor to be among the best. It is our
goal that our students become first-rate professionals
that share in the core values we hold of honesty,
integrity, hard work and dedication to the betterment
of humankind.
Our New Dean – Dr. David C. Sarrett
David C. Sarrett, D.M.D., M.S., was named Dean of
the VCU School of Dentistry effective December 1,
2010. Prior to his appointment, he served as interim
dean since early 2010.
Dean Sarrett will focus on building the research
enterprise of the school, with an emphasis on oral and
head and neck cancer and bioengineering in collaboration with the VCU Massey Cancer Center and other
VCU schools. He also will work to enhance education,
research and patient care outcomes through the growth
of the faculty in strategic areas and through faculty and
staff development.
Dean Sarrett received his D.M.D. degree from the
University of Florida College of Dentistry where he
served on the faculty from 1978 until 1993. He completed a master’s degree in materials science and engineering with an emphasis on polymers and composites
at the University of Florida in 1988.
Dean Sarrett joined VCU in 1993 as the chair of the
Department of General Practice in the School of
Dentistry. He was appointed assistant dean for academic affairs in the School of Dentistry in 2000; became
associate vice president for health sciences in 2003, and
he will remain as the associate vice president for health
sciences and faculty affairs; and became president of
the VCU Dental Faculty Practice Association, a 501-3c
corporation that operates the dental clinical practice, in
2008.
Dean Sarrett is the current editor of the ADA
Professional Products Review.
SPRING 2011 5
An Interview With The Dean
Three students – Mary Catherine McGinn
(D1), Kris Keeton (D2) and Mike Kowalczyk
(D3) – sat down with our new dean, Dr.
David Sarrett, for a no-holds-barred interview.
The questions ranged from the Final Four
game to playing guitar to life as the dean,
and the answers revealed a side of Dean
Sarrett that many students haven’t yet seen.
Mike: If you could trade places with anyone for a week, who would you pick?
Dean Sarrett: I can’t pick out a name per
se, but it would probably be a professional
golfer. Not necessarily anybody famous. I’d
just like to see what that life’s all about.
Especially if I could hit the ball the same
way that they hit it during that week!
Left to right: Mary Catherine McGinn, Dean Sarrett, Kris Keeton and
Mike Kowalczyk.
Mary Catherine: Are you a golfer?
Dean Sarrett: I try to be. The thing I enjoy
about golf is the physical science of it – there are
mechanical factors there. That’s probably why I play
by myself so much because I like to analyze it, and
I drive everybody else nuts. I have one of those little video cameras, so I’ll set it up and record my
swing and then watch it frame-by-frame. It’s pretty
pathologic.
Kris: We learned that you were a pole vaulter.
How’d you get into that?
Dean Sarrett: My brother actually pole vaulted,
and I started trying it in the backyard. My mother
saved all these clippings (showing the students his
scrapbook), and, for my 30th birthday, she put them
all together. That’s me in high school (pointing to a
photo).
Kris: How high was your jump?
Dean Sarrett: In high school I jumped 15’ 3.”
And that year I got invited to go to a national high
school competition out in California. We had to pay
our own way, but I didn’t have the money. So a
6 VCU School of Dentistry
reporter put something in the paper, and one of the
local milk companies said they’d pay for my travel.
Look at that (points to clipping) – it was only $284
to go to California and back.
Kris: You probably couldn’t go Greyhound for that
now. (Noticing the bass guitar) Are you the only
musically inclined one in the family?
Dean Sarrett: If there is any musical talent, it’s
certainly not from me. My
wife actually did band in
high school and a little bit
in college. I keep trying to
get my wife to come and
play in our group. Our
kids don’t seem to have
that interest.
Mary Catherine: So
what are the details on this
group that you’re in?
Who’s in it, and where do
you play?
Dean Sarrett: The only place we’ve played so far
Kris: In case the professional pole vaulting thing
is right here in the Dean’s Office. Before the holidays, we had a faculty meeting, and I said, “OK
folks, and I know there are a few people that play
instruments. Just show up, bring what you’ve got
and some music, and let’s see.” There was a core
group that formed – Kim Isringhausen (B.S. ‘95)
plays the flute, Dr. Haselton (D.D.S. ’94) plays piano
and Dr. Octave and George Sharits both play guitar.
Michelle McDaniel, a dental assistant from faculty
practice, joined the group as a singer. I’m learning
how to play bass, and we still need a drummer.
didn’t work out?
Dean Sarrett: I always liked fiddling with my
hands in the garage making or fixing stuff, and I
could play the guitar, so I knew I could make my
fingers do things. I liked the sciences, so it seemed
like a good fit. I started majoring in chemistry but
changed to dentistry because I thought the only
thing a person with a Ph.D. in chemistry did was to
be a professor at a university. And that was the last
thing I wanted to be! And look what I have spent
my whole career doing!
Kris: Are you booking any gigs yet?
Mike: What motivated you to become the dean?
Dean Sarrett: We’re still waiting for Larrick Live!
Dean Sarrett: I gained a lot of knowledge about
Kris: Is there a band name yet?
Dean Sarrett: Maybe we need to debut and then
take some suggestions.
Kris: Well we’ve been coming up with dental-related sports team names, so we’d be happy to offer
you some advice.
Dean Sarrett: I thought we could be something
like the Oral Evaders
Kris: Maybe Fluoride Fury.
the broader university in my
position in the health sciences
vice president’s office, which I
knew would be very valuable
as a dean. I also knew the
school needed to build its
research program. I worry that
dentistry is going to lose its scientific foundation, so I thought
that would be a fun thing to
spend some time doing. I
haven’t done this in my previous poitions..
Mike: Now that you’re gaining fame for your band,
if Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom
would you like to see play the lead role?
Kris: Is that typical for deans
to continue to see patients?
Dean Sarrett: One I wouldn’t pick right now
Dean Sarrett: (Laughing) I don’t think so.
would be Charlie Sheen. That wouldn’t be advisable.
People ask me, “How do you have time to do that?”
My response is that I don’t have time not to do it.
I’m a firm believer that every administrator at the
university – whatever level you’re at – should never
lose touch with whatever their training was. Seeing
patients is my way staying connected. And it is fun!
Kris: Apparently he’s winning.
Dean Sarrett: I’ve always liked is Michael J. Fox.
He just seems like a down-to earth person.
Mike: I’m sure you didn’t always want to be a
dentist. When you were younger, what did you
want to do?
Dean Sarrett: Well actually, I did used to say I
wanted to be a dentist.
Mike: What do you like best about being dean?
Dean Sarrett: I like to see other people be successful. I never get upset when someone comes to
tell me they’ve gotten a better job or a new opportu-
SPRING 2011 7
A Interview With The Dean
nity somewhere else. If you’ve helped people grow,
and somebody else wants your people – well,
you’ve got good people! That’s the challenge, too –
the more you help improve people, the harder it is
to hang on to them.
ple that they put on our smile cam is two of the
opposing players – that’s my favorite. (Laughing)
Of course, they never kiss.
Mary Catherine: More students need to know
about VCU athletics.
Mike: I never thought
about it that way.
Whenever a coach has a
great year, all the other
teams will pay him more
money to get him to go
somewhere else.
Dean Sarrett: [Shaka
Smart] is very driven by
wanting to see his athletes
succeed as indiviuals, not
just as athletes.
Mary Catherine: Are
you a season ticket holder?
Dean Sarrett: Yes, this year was our second
year. We wanted to get the school more involved
with athletics, and we need to play our part. We
understand the power of sports for both students
and the school.
Kris: Somebody said that you’re headed out to the
Final Four game this weekend.
Dean Sarrett: I am. I absolutely believe in the
Rams, but I recognize that this might be a once in a
lifetime chance.
Mary Catherine: It was your brainchild to get
the School of Dentistry more involved with the basketball team, right? I went to a lot of the games this
year and got really excited every time the Smile Cam
came up – they even put it on me once.
Dean Sarrett: At the games, they zoom in on
couples, so when the couples see themselves on the
screen, they’re supposed to kiss. The very last cou-
8 VCU School of Dentistry
Dean Sarrett: I actually told Norwood Teague
[the VCU athletic director] that the MCV Campus is
his “final frontier.” If you feel like you’re part of
something bigger – it feels good! – for the staff and
the faculty and the students.
Mary Catherine: I just want to say thanks. I
had heard that you were behind the basketball
partnership.
Dean Sarrett: Well, we’re also trying to get people to learn about what we do here. I can’t tell you
how many times I hear that people don’t realize we
treat patients here at the dental school. There’s a lot
of need to educate people that you can come here
for dental care. The new Dentistry@VCU slogan is
really working to our advantage. I’ve actually had
people say, “Oh, they must have started something
new.” So I just agree with them.
To read the entire interview, visit
www.dentistry.vcu.edu.
VCU School of Dentistry Joins the Ram Nation
The VCU School of Dentistry has a long history of supporting VCU
athletes of all kind. Dental students assist in fitting athletes for mouthguards and deliver a top quality finished product that protects their teeth
and gums while leading our teams to victory.
This school year, Dean Sarrett and the School of Dentistry carried its
commitment to student athletes a step further with a sponsorship of the
VCU men’s basketball team. The dentistry “Smile Cam” provided lots of
fun for Rams fans during breaks in home games, and several rotating ads
on the Siegel Center’s 36 foot-long LED Scorer’s Table Board invited fans
to get their dental services at the practices of Dentistry@VCU. Full-page
ads for Dentistry@VCU were featured in all gameday programs, and nearly 10,000 black and gold dentistry wristbands were distributed at several
home games.
The VCU School of Dentistry chose to partner with the Rams to promote the Student-2-Student dental plan available to the VCU campus
community. The plan provides cleanings, exams and simple fillings at a
reduced cost. Any VCU or other collegiate student is eligible for the
Student-2-Student dental plan. Students who register for a free screening
will be assigned as formal patients to third-year student dentists during
the academic year.
In Case You Missed It…
Coach Shaka Smart having his dental
exam by Drs. Justin Edwards (left) and
Andy Reed during the team oral health
screening provided by Dentistry@VCU.
The VCU Rams made it farther than ever before in the NCAA tournament. The Rams kicked off the tournament by beating Southern
California in the first round with a score of 59-46, Georgetown in the
second round with a score of 74-56 and Purdue with a score of 94-76
in the third round. VCU advanced to the Sweet Sixteen round in San
Antonio, Texas and bested Florida State by one point in
overtime with a final score of 72-71. In the Elite Eight
round, the team continued its winning streak, beating Kansas 71-61. At the Final Four game in
Houston, Texas, the Rams finally succumbed to
Butler, losing 62-70. Despite the loss, the VCU
Rams, led by coach Shaka Smart, returned to
Richmond as heroes. Go, Rams!
SPRING 2011 9
Who We Are
The VCU School of
Dentistry boasts many
extraordinarily bright and
talented students. Here
are the stories of three
such students who are
leading the way in the
areas of outreach,
research and service to
their school.
Tyshika Showell (DH4)
Tyshika Showell, a senior dental hygiene student, credits her interest in dental
hygiene to a piece of candy – a cherry Starburst, to be exact.
Growing up in a small town, she knew of the dentist’s office as a place people
went to have their teeth pulled or straightened. When it came time for a teenaged
Tyshika to get braces, she learned that dentistry was more than just pulling teeth.
She enjoyed her friendly interactions with the dental hygienists and assistants and
fondly remembers the day, one year into her treatment, when one of the hygienists
gave her a Starbust and said with a smile, “Don’t tell the dentist I gave you this!”
She hadn’t had a piece of candy for a whole year. “From that day, I was sold and
knew I wanted a job just like them.”
Aside from the candy, Tyshika admired the way
that the people in her dentist’s office made learning the
ins and outs of preventive oral care fun. They inspired
her to pursue a career in which she could teach the
same lessons in communities like her own. She was
drawn to the VCU School of Dentistry for its mission
and philosophy of service learning and commitment to
community.
Tyshika wasted no time in giving back to the community once she got into the dental hygiene program.
In her two years at the school, she has conducted dental screenings at the American Dental Association’s
Give Kids a Smile Day and at the Salvation Army
Rehabiltion Center. She had the unique opportunity to
travel to Jamaica for an international dental mission
trip. She has even helped in passing her love of dentistry on to future generations through the Student
National Dental Association’s Impressions Program,
which allows undergraduate students to learn more
about the dental profession, and the Exploring
Dentistry Program, which exposes high school students
to a dental school experience.
In addition to her extensive community service,
Tyshika is working hard to complete an independent
research project with Dr. Joan Pellegrini. She was
awarded a VCU Undergraduate Summer Fellowship to
develop a research study with Dr. Pellegrini and chose
to investigate the issues surrounding individuals with autism spectrum disorders
and dentistry. “There is a growing concern that the inability to manage the behavior of individuals with autism disorder may affect their access to quality dental
care.” Tyshika’s study specifically addresses how the professional training of dentists influences their comfort with managing a patient with an autism disorder.
Dr. Carolyn Booker
10 VCU School of Dentistry
When she’s not in class or studying, Tyshika enjoys spending time at the rink
ice skating and roller skating. She also actively participates in the Student American
Dental Hygienist Association and the SNDA.
After graduation, Tyshika hopes to pursue a master’s degree with the ultimate
goal of either teaching dental hygiene to others or developing community programs
to target underserved populations. No matter what her future holds, she hopes that
she will continue to serve as a mentor to younger students, following in the footsteps of the many people who have supported her along the way. “I am so happy
with my career choices when I have the opportunity to expose and encourage students to consider a career in dentistry.”
Jeppy Moss (D3)
Some might say that Lloyd “Jeppy” Moss was born to be a dentist. Most of his
family is involved in a health profession, including his grandfather, a physician; his
mother, a nurse; and his father Dr. Lloyd Moss, Jr., a dentist. Jeppy was determined
to forge his own path, so he attended the University of Richmond and took classes
focusing on political science and law.
Immediately following his undergraduate studies, Jeppy
took a job in admissions at his high school, the Woodberry
Forest Boarding School. But after a year of traveling, conducting tours and speaking to prospective students, he began
to wonder if he was better suited for something else. “A
lightbulb went off on what my life would be like 10 years
down the road. I knew that this was not my career path.”
Dentistry always had been in the back of his mind, so
Jeppy started shadowing some of his father’s dental colleagues. Then he attended a Mission of Mercy, or MOM
Project in Roanoke, Virginia where he was able to assist
dental students and got hooked. “There’s nothing like it.”
Since his first experience, Jeppy has participated in almost
every MOM Project for the past five years – that’s more than
30 projects.
Jeppy made the decision to become a dental student,
but first he had to complete a post-baccalaureate undergraduate certificate. He worked closely with Dr. Michael Healy,
Assistant Dean of Admissions, to create a plan – “a roadmap
to dentistry.” Jeppy contacted Hazel Luton in Clinic Services,
and she hired him to help in the support lab. He got to see
what the school was really like, and he was ready for more.
“Now that I’m at the school, I love it. I feel very fortunate to
be here.”
SPRING 2011 11
Who We Are
Jeppy often thinks back on that first moment he knew he wanted to become a
dentist at his MOM Project in Roanoke. He was in an oral surgery trailer with a
dentist and a dental student, and they were preparing to do a full mouth extraction
for a patient. After the procedure, Jeppy remembers getting a hug from the patient
with gauze still stuffed in her mouth. “I was just assisting, but I felt like I was part
of the treatment, and it really made a difference for her.” Jeppy is thankful to the
many people who have helped him along his path to becoming a dentist, including
Hazel Luton, Dr. John Willhide (D.D.S. ’63), Dr. Carol Brooks ( D.D.S. ’94), Dr.
Terry Dickinson and, of course, his father, Dr. Lloyd Moss, Jr. (D.D.S. ’78) – “That
goes without saying.”
In addition to attending several MOM Projects each year, Jeppy makes time to
serve on the Student/Alumni Golf Committee and has held a role as a class officer
in the past. He volunteers to help with Boards and many other programs put on by
the VCU School of Dentistry. Outside of school – when he’s not focusing on labwork and studies – Jeppy participates in intramural sports with his fellow students
and enjoys being outside. Most of all, he loves spending time with his family and
friends.
In the future, Jeppy hopes to one day work with his father at his practice in
Fredericksburg, Virginia, and he may pursue a GPR or AEGD along the way. His
ultimate goal is to help as many people as he can and to send patients out of their
appointments feeling better about themselves. “Seeing the satisfaction and the relief
of a simple treatment is very valuable,” said Jeppy. “I get to see how much that can
make a difference in people’s lives.”
Crystal Hayes (D3)
Dentistry wasn’t part of the plan for Crystal Hayes, a young clinical laboratory science major at the University of North Carolina. Instead, she planned to graduate, take
a year off to study for the MCATs and then go to medical school. During her time in
North Carolina, she worked long days as a microbiology medical technologist until
one morning when Crystal woke up realizing she wanted something different.
The allure of interacting with patients really drew her to dentistry. And the
promise of more free time and more flexibility to do other things was an added
bonus. She began shadowing dentists and went to a one-day program to learn
more about the profession. Shortly thereafter, Crystal applied to dental school and
made her way to the VCU School of Dentistry.
In her three years in dental school, there have been several key moments that
make Crystal particularly proud to be entering the dental profession. She loves
working with children and fondly remembers a time when a six-year-old little girl
refused to open her mouth for anyone but her. Older patients also hold a special
place in Crystal’s heart. “We have very rewarding conversations – my patients teach
me a lot of life lessons, and I enjoy building relationships with them.”
12 VCU School of Dentistry
When asked who she sees as a mentor, Crystal said “There are so many people
supporting me, I’m not sure I can name just one or even a few.” She did name a
few names after some prodding, citing Dr. Leonard
Jackson as a wonderful teacher and Dr. Randy
Adams (Ped. ’80) as a pediatric dentist she aspires
to emulate.
Any dental student will tell you there’s never
much time for anything but school and studying,
but Crystal has found time to play important roles
in two organizations within the school – the VCU
Chapter of the Student National Dental Association
(SNDA) and the School of Dentistry Pathfinders
Club.
As president of the SNDA, Crystal participates
in meaningful projects like the annual Impressions
program. The goal of Impressions is to pique the
interest of undergraduate students in the field of
dentistry and to increase the number of underrepresented minorities that matriculate in the School of
Dentistry. Crystal helped to organize the SNDA
Oral Cancer Walk and has now seen two successful
events, raising a total of $8,500 for the VCU Philips
Institute for Oral Craniofacial Molecular Biology.
“We hope that the Oral Cancer Walk will send the
critical message of early detection and prevention
not only to the general public, but also to our fellow dental students – the future front-line specialists in screening and oral cancer detection at its
earliest, most curable stages.” Crystal serves double
duty as president of the School of Dentistry Pathfinders Club. Through the club,
students are exposed to different methods and techniques within the field of dentistry that students don’t often see in the classroom or the clinic.
What’s in store for her future? Crystal still is considering where she wants to
end up, but she does have plans for the summer – working as an extern with the
Indian Health Service in Montana. She’ll have the unique experience of working on
a reservation and providing care to an underserved portion of our country, including lots of children. Pediatric dentistry is one specialty that Crystal is considering,
but she’s also interested in pursuing general dentistry.
Even though dental school is challenging (and she hasn’t seen any personal
time yet), at the end of the day, Crystal still is feeling good about her decision to
switch from medicine to dentistry – “It’s exactly what I was looking for.”
SPRING 2011 13
Alumni Accolade
Bringing the Plaque Punisher to Life
Dr. David Turok (D.D.S. ‘08), or Dr. Davey as he likes to be called,
recently generated online buzz by competing in the Pepsi Refresh Project.
The Pepsi Refresh Project supports people with good ideas with the
goal of making the world a better place. Grants totaling more than $1 million are awarded to projects each month based on votes received online.
Dr. Turok’s submitted idea was to create a mobile dental van – The
Plaque Punisher – to provide mobile dental care, supplies and critical dental education to those in need in his Chicago-area community. His idea
was in the running for a $250,000 grant.
The concept behind The Plaque Punisher is that Dr. Turok would travel
to underserved areas of Chicago as well as local schools to provide dental
care, one of the most often unmet health care needs, primarily to children. Dr. Turok would recruit other dental professionals, including dentists, hygienists and assistants, on a volunteer basis to provide dental care
while educating patients on how to take care of their teeth.
Dr. Turok was inspired to serve his community by his student participation in several outreach projects. During his time at the VCU School of
Dentistry, Dr. Turok traveled to Jamaica for an international dental mission
trip and also participated in many MOM Projects within the
14 VCU School of Dentistry
Commonwealth. He credits these experiences as the driving
force behind The Plaque Punisher and as the source of his
knowledge of fundraising. “I learned so much more than just
dentistry from VCU, and I combined my experiences in outreach dentistry and fundraising to create my proposal for the
Pepsi Refresh Project,” said Dr. Turok.
He received an amazing amount of support and online votes
for his idea, but, ultimately, he did not receive the grant. But
that doesn’t mean he’s done trying. Dr. Turok is pushing even
harder to make his dream a reality. He hopes to raise $100,000
to fund The Plaque Punisher and is taking steps to make it
happen. Dr. Turok will create a website for the project and
search for grants and other outreach programs to reach his
goal. He has recruited help from students at DePaul University
to help with marketing efforts and hopes that the VCU community will help to spread the word as well. “We’re hoping that
1,000 dentists and dental professionals will consider giving
$100 to help us reach our goal.”
Dr. Turok’s word-of-mouth marketing is not limited to
fundraising. He also hopes that dental professionals will choose
to give of their time and talents. “This isn’t just my idea, and
it’s not limited to Chicago. I want this to be a VCU project, and
I hope to bring The Plaque Punisher to Virginia.”
To learn more about Dr. Turok and The Plaque Punisher,
visit www.DrDaveyDDS.org. To contribute to the cause, donations may be mailed to PO Box 14015, Chicago, IL 60614.
This Just In!
Rural Healthcare Activist and
1976 Alumna Carole Pratt Named
Robert Wood Johnson Fellow
BLACKSBURG, Va., May 5,
2011 -- Carole Pratt (D.D.S. '76),
from Pulaski, Va., has been
named one of five Health Policy
Fellows with the Robert Wood
Johnson Foundation (RWJF) for
2011-2012. Dr. Pratt begins her
one-year term in September 2011.
The Health Policy Fellows
program is a minimum of oneyear residential experience in
Washington, D.C. that gives
exceptional mid-career health professionals and scientists an
opportunity to actively participate
in health policy processes at the
federal level and gain exclusive,
hands-on policy experience.
Having been raised on a
farm in rural Smyth County, Va.,
Dr. Pratt has devoted much of her
career to rural healthcare issues.
To read the entire article,
visit www.dentistry.vcu.edu.
SPRING 2011 15
School of Dentistry News
Half a Century of Service to Their School
Dr. Covington (D.D.S. ’62)
Dr. Hubbard (D.D.S. ’62)
Dr. William Covington and Dr. Maury Hubbard in the Lyons Clinic.
16 VCU School of Dentistry
Adjunct faculty fulfills a
very important role in our
School of Dentistry.
Quantitatively they devote most
of their time teaching in the preclinical laboratories, the
D.D.S./Dental Hygiene programs
as well as in the graduate residency programs. There are well
over 135 adjunct faculty members
fulfilling more than 38 percent of
our teaching responsibilities.
Clearly, the school could not provide a valued educational experience without them.
Qualitatively adjunct faculty
brings a “real-world” approach to
the delivery of dental care, often
with emphasis on the latest techniques and methodology.
Additionally, their concepts of
Practice Management and running a small business are invaluable.
Many of our current adjunct
faculty members have served
honorably for years, sometimes
even decades. As we look into
the future, a new influx of young
adjunct faculty would be needed
to carry on the invaluable efforts
of the adjunct faculty, particularly
in the area of general dentistry.
-Dr. James C. Burns, (D.D.S. ’72)
Associate Dean for Clinical
Education, Chairman and
Professor of Oral and
Maxillofacial Pathology
To learn more about joining the
adjunct faculty, please contact Dr.
James C. Burns at (804) 8281778 or [email protected].
Dr. William D. Covington and Dr. Maury A. Hubbard, Jr. both graduated
in the D.D.S. class of 1962, but they got their start in dentistry in different
ways. Dr. Hubbard had a friend whose father was a dental lab technician, so
he and his friend studied hard and worked together in their science classes
in high school. Dr. Covington served in the Air Force as a dental assistant
where he was introduced to dentistry through the nice group of dentists that
piqued his interest. Both gentlemen worked hard throughout their time at the
Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry. Dr. Covington remembers his
job as a nurse for which he earned $1 per hour – a fair wage at the time.
After graduation, Dr. Covington and Dr. Hubbard began their careers as
dentists, but they also embarked on a second project – serving as part-time,
adjunct faculty members at their alma mater. Dr. Hubbard received a call
from Dr. F. B. Wiebusch inviting him back to the school to help in the
Department of Periodontics, which he did in July of 1962. The following
year, Dr. Covington returned to the school to assist in the Restorative (now
General Practice) Department.
Dr. Hubbard has been coming to the school to teach part-time for 49
years, and Dr. Covington is right on his heels at 48 years. You can find them
in their white coats in the Lyons Clinic every Friday afternoon. They enjoy
taking an afternoon off from their own practices to work with students, and,
when asked how they find time for everything, Dr. Covington responded,
“Neither of us plays golf!”
Dr. Covington and Dr. Hubbard have stayed for so long at the school that
gave them their start because they feel truly connected to the profession and
to the students. “The students help to whet our enthusiasm for dentistry and
keep us motivated,” said Dr. Hubbard. “They challenge us,” Dr. Covington
added, “And it gets us out of the office.”
Serving the VCU School of Dentistry by passing their knowledge on to
future generations of students is very important to these proud alumni.
Dr. Covington is grateful for his time at the school, noting “I’m fortunate
to have even gotten into dental school. It’s truly rewarding to be able to
give back.” Dr. Hubbard couldn’t agree more. He also added, “We have a
different outlook than the full-time faculty, and we have something very
special to give to the students – our everyday experience.”
Both Class of ’62 alumni are proud to remain at the dental school that
has given them so much. Through their years of service as adjunct faculty,
Dr. Covington and Dr. Hubbard have helped aspiring dentists to grow and,
in turn, have grown as dentists themselves. Dr. Covington hopes that they
will be able to teach for many years to come. “As the years continue, we
enjoy dentistry even more.”
SPRING 2011 17
School of Dentistry News
Thank you to our Adjunct Faculty Members
Dr. David M. Abbott
Dr. Anne Adams
Dr. Peter Adams
Dr. Randy Adams
Dr. John Alexander
Dr. Brandon Allen
Dr. Edward L. Amos
Dr. Ralph L. Anderson
Dr. Carl O. Atkins, Jr.
Dr. Stephen Auerbach
Dr. Mitchell Avent
Dr. Richard Barnes
Dr. Bruce K. Barr
Dr. John Bass
Dr. Sidney Becker
Dr. Carl M. Block
Dr. Kevin Bond
Mrs. Patricia Bonwell
Dr. Elizabeth Bortell
Dr. Herbert Reed Boyd
Dr. Greg Bowles
Dr. Jenny Bozman
Dr. Paul Brinser
Dr. A. Denis Britto
Dr. Townsend Brown, Jr.
Dr. Dwight V. Buelow
Dr. Corey Burgoyne
Dr. John A. Burmeister
Dr. James H. Butler
Dr. Thomas W. Butterfoss
Dr. Jackie Carney
Dr. Henry Carretta
Dr. Malcolm Carter
Dr. Zachary A. Casagrande
Mrs. Christy Casella
Dr. Daniel Cassidy
Dr. David Chapman
Ms. Leslie Congdon
Dr. Matthew Cooke
Dr. Richard Cottrell
Dr. William Covington
Dr. Thomas Cox
Dr. John Cranham
Dr. Jeffrey Cyr
Dr. William L. Davenport
Dr. Charles Dent
Dr. Darryl Dettman
Dr. Michael Dishman
Dr. Robert Doriot
Dr. Donald L. DuVal
Dr. Randy Eberly
Dr. John Eshleman
Dr. William Falls
Dr. Frank Farrington
Dr. Mehrdad Favagehi
Dr. Andrew Ferguson
Dr. Timothy Finkler
Dr. Kathryn Finley-Parker
Dr. Melvin Ford
Dr. Eric Foretich
Dr. Thomas Forgeng
Dr. Stephen G. Forte
Dr. Francis Foster
Mrs. Jennifer Gamache
Dr. Marc Gamache
Dr. W. Graham Gardner
Dr. Scott E. Gerard
Dr. Val Gibberman
Dr. J. Charles Gills
Dr. Scott Goodove
Dr. Barry L. Green
Dr. Charles Green
Dr. Barry I. Griffin
Dr. Edward Griggs
Dr. Thomas M. Grisius
Dr. Robert E. Grover
Dr. D. Christopher Hamlin
Dr. Nola Harrington
Dr. Walter Harrington, Jr.
Dr. Paul Hartmann
Ms. Federa Hedayatnia
Dr. Gregg Helvey
Dr. Heidi Herbst
Dr. Martin Hoard
Dr. Christopher Hooper
Dr. Maury Hubbard, Jr.
Dr. Mark Huie
Dr. Karmen Ibrahim
Dr. Jerry Jenkins
Dr. Timothy Johnston
Dr. Perry Jones
Dr. Claire C. Kaugars
Dr. Robert Kendig
Dr. Fred Kennett
Dr. Jeffrey Kenney
Dr. Jean Claude Kharmouche
Dr. John Kittrell
Dr. Gregory Kontopanos
Dr. Bijan Kooshki
Dr. Louis Korpics, Jr.
Dr. Trisha A. Krause
Ms. Jessica Krolewski
Dr. Randall W. Kulnis
Dr. Neil A. Landy
Dr. Quan Le
Dr. Trang Le
Dr. John C. Leist III
Dr. Jeffrey Levin
Dr. Donald Levitin
Dr. Michael Lewis
Dr. Nick Lombardozzi
Dr. James Londrey
Dr. Michael McCormick, Jr.
Dr. Robert A. McKearney
Dr. Michael McMunn
Dr. Christopher Maestrello
Dr. Harold J. Martinez
Dr. J. Gary Maynard, Jr.
Dr. Elizabeth W. Mei
Dr. Eric Miller
Dr. Wendy Moore
Dr. Joy S. Moretti
Dr. David Mueller
Dr. James Muncy
Dr. Peter Murchie
Dr. Paul Neumann
Dr. Kirk Norbo
Dr. Robert O’Neill
Dr. Ellen R. Oertel
Dr. Benjamin T. Overstreet
Dr. Bruce W. Overton
Dr. Gardiner M. Packer
Dr. Thomas Padgett
Dr. R. David Pagan
Dr. Robert Penterson
Dr. Michael Pfab
Dr. Jon E. Piché
Dr. Darryl Pirok
Dr. Herbert “Mick” Pope
Dr. James Priest
Dr. Edward Reeves
Dr. Pamela F. Regimbal
Dr. Christopher R. Richardson
Dr. John Robinson
Dr. Noel Root
Dr. Jennifer Rose
Dr. John J. Ross
Dr. Michael Rossetti
Dr. Earl Rubis
Mrs. Carol Sagadraca
Ms. Azza Sandhu
Dr. Walter Saxon Jr.
Dr. Sean Sayyar
Dr. Harlan Schufeldt
Dr. Feliz Shepard
Dr. Earl Shufford
Ms. Carrie Simpson
Dr. James L. Slagle
Dr. Matthew Slattery
Dr. Gary Smagalski
Dr. Lori Snidow
Dr. Farshid Soltanian
Dr. Mark Sorin
Dr. Keren Sperling-Habot
Dr. Ronald Spillers
Dr. Garrett Spruill
Dr. James L. Stanley
Dr. Al Stenger
Dr. Henry Stewart
Mrs. Karen Stuart
Ms. Marian Sumrell
Dr. Kevin C. Sweeney
Dr. Brian Szakaly
Dr. Kenneth Tankersley
Dr. Ronald Tankersley
Dr. William Thornton
Cdr. Patricia A. Tordik, D.M.D.
Dr. Bradley Trotter
Dr. James Turnage
Dr. Paige Turner
Dr. Sergio Vendetti
Ms. Sara Via
Dr. Paul Vitsky
Dr. Ronald N. Vranas
Dr. Frank Wade II
Dr. James Waring
Dr. Omar Watson
Dr. William Weaver
Dr. Leslie Webb
Dr. Michael Webb
Cdr. Terry D. Webb, D.D.S.
Dr. Morgan Trey Weis
Dr. Peter D. Wendell
Dr. L. Warren West
Dr. Robert Wilkerson
Dr. Jonathan Wohlford
Dr. George Woronko
Dr. Mark R. Zemanovich
Dr. Andrew Zima
Dr. Gregory Zoghby
Our list of adjunct faculty members is constantly changing. The above list represents our records as of March 2011.
If we have omitted your name or reported it in error, please notify Cristina Woods at [email protected] so we may
correct our records and express our sincerest apologies to you.
18 VCU School of Dentistry
From the Classroom to Colonel
Dr. Thomas Koertge has been a staple in the Department of Periodontics at
the VCU School of Dentistry since he joined the faculty nearly 30 years ago. But
his affinity for dentistry began way back in high school after shadowing his family
dentist. “I was fascinated by the intricate work that was required,” remembered
Dr. Koertge. Luckily enough, a new dental school opened in his hometown shortly after.
Following his undergraduate studies, Dr. Koertge attended the Southern Illinois
University School of Dental Medicine as a member of the fourth graduating class
in 1978. During dental school, he held several jobs working in research labs, and
Dr. Koertge felt drawn to the notion of an academic career. With his goal in sight,
he decided to pursue periodontics as a dental specialty at the University of Iowa
College of Dentistry. He received a Certificate in Periodontics in 1981 and a coveted Ph.D. in 1984.
The decision to join the faculty at the VCU School of Dentistry was an easy
one. Dr. Koertge remembered the wonderful attitude of the faculty during a visit
to VCU. “That attitude of cooperation continues to this day even though the players have changed,” said Dr. Koertge. It’s because of that positive work environment that Dr. Koertge has chosen to spend his whole career at VCU. “I continue
to enjoy the variety of life here – teaching, research, advising, working with the
residents at the VA hospital, the continued
interactions with the students and, of course,
the department and school support of my
recent forays into military service through the
National Guard.”
Dr. Koertge has been on a leave of
absence during the 2011 spring semester serving as a dentist with the National Guard in
Afghanistan. Colonel Koertge now practices
general dentistry as the sole dentist in a twochair clinic and spends his time helping to
relieve soldiers’ pain. “The majority of the
patients need operative dentistry, endodontics
or extractions – which are mostly third molars
– but we also see a lot of bruxing and the
occasional traumatic injury.”
The 928th ASMC showing its
support for the VCU Rams.
Dr. Koertge is holding the letter “s.”
Daily life at the FOB, or Forward
Operating Base, is quite different for Dr. Koertge. When he’s not in the clinic, his
days are spent running or working out in the base gym, trying to access the dialup internet and taking advantage of National Guard training programs. Dr. Koertge
described one of the biggest adjustments in Afghanistan as remembering to carry a
weapon at all times. “Well, except into the showers.”
Dr. Koertge recently made the long trip home to Richmond and is safely back
at the VCU School of Dentistry for the next semester. He was missed by many at
the school – and he missed them too. “I’m looking forward to returning to the
camaraderie I share with the faculty, staff, students and patients.”
SPRING 2011 19
School of Dentistry News
What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?
A group of high school
students has decided to give
dentistry a try. The VCU
School of Dentistry, in partnership with the Boy Scouts
of America’s Exploring
Program, invited high school
students from Chesterfield,
Hanover and Henrico
Counties and the City of
Richmond to participate in
the inaugural class of the
Exploring Dentistry Program.
The Exploring Program
offers unique learning opportunities for young men and
women ages 15 to 20.
At one Exploring Dentistry session, students practiced cavity preparations by
cutting on plastic teeth in the DentSim Lab.
Participants select a career path
from “clusters” like Health, Fire and Emergency
program is a nominal $15 insurance fee, paid
Services, Law and Government and Arts and
through the Boy Scouts of America.
Humanities, to name a few, according to their particular talents and interests. They gain real-life experience and invaluable insight through shadowing,
hands-on and “mock” activities and mentoring.
Exploring Dentistry came to life because the
The group meets once a month throughout the
school year at the VCU School of Dentistry to participate in activities ranging from learning real-life,
hands-on dental skills to understanding the
specifics on how to get into dental school.
high school students themselves asked for it. They
Professors, deans, lab technicians and dental and
had the option to participate in existing programs
dental hygiene students help with the various
for doctors, veterinarians and police officers, among
activities to ensure that the program participants
others, but the students expressed a desire to learn
learn as much as they can about the practice and
more about dentistry, and the Boy Scouts of America
principles of dentistry. Karen Gilliam, Associate
was happy to oblige. The VCU School of Dentistry
Director of Financial Aid and Student Services
was approached and jumped at the opportunity to
expects to see this program at the dental school
show teens what dental school is all about.
for years to come. “Faculty, staff and students have
The school gladly accepted any students who
expressed an interest in dentistry, and more than 20
students enrolled in the inaugural Exploring
Dentistry program. The only cost associated with the
20 VCU School of Dentistry
jumped right on board, and we’re more than
happy.”
Dr. John J. Salley - A Life Remembered
October 29, 1926 – December 18, 2010
Dr. John J. Salley (D.D.S. ’51)
was a lifelong educator who
played a pivotal role in shaping
the face of the dentistry program
and dental research at the VCU
School of Dentistry.
Dr. Salley attended Virginia
Military University for his undergraduate studies and graduated in
1947. He chose to attend the
Medical College of Virginia
School of Dentistry in his hometown and graduated in the prestigious class of 1951 – all 48 class members came to
MCV after serving in World War II, an experience
that fostered a unique bond among the students. The
group of men stayed connected after graduation
through their newsletter The Painless Publication,
which has run since 1952.
After receiving his Ph.D. as a Fulbright Scholar
from the University of Rochester in 1954, Dr. Salley
returned to MCV to begin his career in academia and
oral cancer research. By 1960, he was named the first
chairman of the school’s Department of Oral
Pathology and served as a professor in both the
School of Dentistry and the School of Medicine.
Dr. Salley was named dean of the University of
Maryland Dental School in 1963 and served in that
role for 11 years, during which time he advanced the
school’s research focus, developed a dental hygiene
program and expanded the physical facilities, among
other achievements. Immediately following his tenure
as dean, Dr. Salley returned once again to Richmond
and to VCU as the Vice President for Research and
Graduate Affairs. In 1983, he temporarily left the university to act as Interim Director and Acting President
for the Virginia Center for Innovative Technology. In
1987, he chose to resume his position as a professor
in the VCU School of Dentistry Department of Oral
Pathology.
Following his retirement in 1990, Dr. Salley
became an active alumni member of the VCU School
of Dentistry. He stayed connected to the members of
the MCV D.D.S. Class of 1951 throughout the years,
and, at the class’ 50th reunion in 2001, Dr. Salley
played a significant part in helping to organize the
class’ large gift to the school. They formed the Class
of 1951 Endowment Fund to benefit a dental student
showing interest and promise in the area of research.
Dr. Salley was well-respected in the field of dentistry, and he held numerous elected and appointed
positions in dental organizations, such as the presidencies of the American Association of Dental
Schools, the Southern Conference of Dental Deans
and Examiners, the Conference of Southern Graduate
Schools and the National Foundation of Dentistry for
the Handicapped. He also held memberships in the
American Dental Association, the American College
of Dentists, the International Association of Dental
Research and the Society of Research Administrators
among others. In his personal life, Dr. Salley enjoyed
bird hunting and sailing, a hobby he learned on the
Rappahannock River with his brothers as a teenager.
Dr. John Salley leaves a lasting legacy at the VCU
School of Dentistry. He has inspired numerous students to persevere on the challenging path toward
becoming a dentist and inspired many to pursue the
field of dental research. The Class of 1951
Endowment Fund will continue to assist students that
take interest in dental research. Dr. Salley will be
remembered for his commitment to his family, his
country, his students and to the dental profession.
Dr. Salley is survived by his wife, Jean C. Salley; son,
Dr. John J. Salley, Jr.; daughters, Katharine S.
Rosemond and Martha C. Salley; brother, Thomas R.
Salley, Jr.; and two grandchildren.
Coincidentally, Dean Sarrett works with Dr.
Salley’s daughter, Katharine, during his time in the
VCU Office of the Vice President for Health Sciences.
So the “Salley influence” at the VCU School of
Dentistry continues on.
SPRING 2011 21
VCU School of Dentistry Publications
January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010
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Abubaker, A. O., Laskin, D. M. History of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Virginia
Commonwealth University. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2010; 68: 2651-2652.
Aichelmann-Reidy, M. E., Wrigley, D. L., Gunsolley J. C. HIV infection and bone loss due to periodontal
disease. Journal of Periodontology. 2010; 81: 877-884.
Anaya-Bergman, C., He, J., Jones, K., Miyazaki, H., Yeudall, A., Lewis, J. P. Porphyromonas gingivalis ferrous iron transporter FeoB1 influences sensitivity to oxidative stress. Infection and Immunity. 2010; 78:
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Chen, L., Ge, X., Dou, Y., Wang, X., Patel, J. R., Xu, P. Identification of hydrogen peroxide productionrelated genes in Streptococcus sanguinis and their functional relationship with pyruvate oxidase.
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Fritz, G. W., Gunsolley, J. C., Abubaker, A. O., Laskin, D. M. Efficacy of pre- and postirradiation hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the prevention of postextraction osteoradionecrosis: a systematic review.
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Giglio, J. A., Lanni, S. M., Laskin, D. M., Giglio, N. W. Oral health care for the pregnant patient. Texas
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Giglio, J. A., Laskin, D. M. Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in a group of adult patients seeking general dental care. Quintessence International. 2010; 41: 433-437.
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Holden, C. A., Yuan, Q., Yeudall, W. A., Lebman, D. A., Yang, H. Surface engineering of macrophages
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Holmes, P. B., Shroff, B., Best, A. M., Lindauer, S. J. Influence of gender on office staff management in
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SPRING 2011 23
School of Dentistry News
School of Dentistry STARS Shine Brightly
The VCU School of Dentistry is committed to the values of
Service, Teamwork, Attitude, Respect and Stewardship
(STARS). Faculty, staff and students are recognized for
demonstrating STARS qualities above and beyond
normal expectations.
Dr. Charissa Chin
Assistant Professor,
Department of General Practice
Dr. Susie Goolsby (D.D.S. ’93)
Assistant Professor,
Department of General Practice
Dr. Charissa Chin and Dr. Susie Goolsby provided
assistance to a fellow faculty member in a meaningful
way. When a faculty member in the Private Practice Clinic was unable to be
at the school, they pitched in so that students would not miss a class. Their
efforts towards teamwork were much appreciated.
Kimberly Stotesberry
Insurance Coordinator, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Kimberly Stotesberry stepped in and assisted a patient in need. She came
across a patient who was handicapped and could not make it to a dental
appointment when the elevators were not functioning in one of the dental
buildings. Kimberly found a facilities representative and stayed with the
patient until the elevator was running properly. With her help, the patient
was able to keep the appointment.
Keisha Tyler
Insurance Coordinator, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Keisha Tyler took it upon herself to assist the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
front desk when the department was understaffed. She pitched in without
expecting anything in return and went above and beyond her current position. Her supervisor and co-workers were very thankful for her teamwork.
24 VCU School of Dentistry
MCV Alumni
Association
As President of the Medical College
of Virginia Alumni Association, it’s my
pleasure to introduce a new “alumni
page” to our School of Dentistry magazine. It will be written by Dr. Ellen
Byrne, the current Vice President,
Dental Division of the MCVAA, and
will contain news and information
about how dental alumni can get involved with their
alma mater. Many of you know Ellen as our Senior
Associate Dean as well as a national lecturer in the area
of pharmacology, and I know you will enjoy her commentary and observations.
As I conclude my two-year term as Alumni
Association President, I think about the exciting changes
that are happening on the medical campus. Within the
last few years, we have seen the construction of a
School of Nursing, a Critical Care Hospital, a Molecular
Research Building and a new and greatly improved
Larrick Student Center. A new School of Medicine facility
currently is under construction. A most important addition to our School of Dentistry was the construction of a
third dental building, the W. Baxter Perkinson, Jr.
Building, which gave us additional clinical facilities, seminar and lecture halls, as well as additional space for critical oral cancer research.
I cannot close without making a comment about our
basketball team, the Rams. What an exciting and spectacular journey through “March Madness,” culminating in
the NCAA Final Four games in Houston. As perennial
season ticket holders, my wife Pat and I went to our first
ever Final Four in Houston and experienced the excitement, energy and support the fans had for our team and
the university. Go, Rams!
In all of my years on campus, one thing has not
changed – our students. They are brighter than ever,
work very hard, have great dreams and amass a substantial debt to achieve their degrees. They need and
deserve our continued support. They ARE the future of
our profession and the MCV Alumni Association.
Thank you for your support over the years.
With great appreciation,
Jim Revere (D.D.S. ’65)
As a faculty member, a long time
member of the MCV Alumni Association
and the Vice President of the MCV
Alumni Association Dental Division, I am
pleased to have the opportunity to share
with you some exciting happenings at the
School of Dentistry.
VCU is known nationally for the toprated schools on our medical campus,
and now we’re known for our basketball team – the Rams!
Rams fever has swept the nation, and there’s no better time
than now to join your fellow classmates in the MCV Alumni
Association. The benefits to members are numerous, including
a subscription to our magazine Scarab and invitations to alumni events to name a few.
We recently had our annual Reunion Weekend – and what
a weekend it was! This year’s events included a military salute
to the Class of 1951, an antique car show, student-guided
tours of the three dental school buildings and a painting
demonstration by Dr. W. Baxter Perksinon, Jr. (D.D.S. ’70),
among other activities. Every year, our school grows and
improves, so we hope that you will come for a visit during
Reunion Weekend – or any time – to see some of the
changes.
In addition to planning exciting events for our alumni, the
Dental Division has the distinct honor of bestowing awards to
two dental alumni each year. The Dr. Harry Lyons Outstanding
Dental Alumnus Award recognizes outstanding loyalty and
dedicated service to the school, its alumni and students and to
the dental profession. The Dr. James H. Revere, Jr.
Outstanding Service Award recognizes outstanding leadership,
loyalty and service to the community, the school, the university or to professional or community organizations. The 2011
recipients of these prestigious awards are Dr. Rodney Klima
(D.D.S. ’74) and Dr. Claire Kaugars (D.D.S. ’81), respectively.
Congratulations to these impressive alumni!
Perhaps the biggest benefit to participating in the MCV
Alumni Association is maintaining ties to your school, your fellow alumni and our current students. I encourage you to visit
www.vcu-mcvalumni.org to learn more, and I hope to see you
on your next visit to the School of Dentistry.
– Dr. Ellen Byrne (D.D.S. ’83)
If you are interested in becoming a Trustee-At-Large, please
contact Dr. Ellen Byrne at (804) 828-3784 or
[email protected]. Meetings are held three times each year.
MCVAA Dental Division Board
Dr. B. Ellen Byrne (D.D.S. ’83)
Dr. Renita Randolph (D.D.S. ’91)
Dr. Kit Tucker-Sullivan (D.D.S. ’83)
Ms. Tammy Swecker (B.S. ’93)
Dr. Neil Turnage (D.D.S. ’77)
SPRING 2011 25
VCU
Virginia Commonwealth University
School of Dentistry
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P.O. Box 980566
Richmond, Virginia 23298-0566
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Please recycle to a friend of dentistry.
An equal opportunity, affirmative action university
041206-02.
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