School of Dentistry

Contributed by Carlos S. Smith, DDS, MDiv, FACD, associate dean of inclusive excellence, ethics and community engagement. Continuing on our path towards a more inclusive School of Dentistry, we wanted to take a moment and reflect upon PRIDE Month and the recognition of our LGBTQ+ community members—patients, students, staff, and faculty. Pride is a beacon […]

The U.S. Military Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) is a unique opportunity for individuals interested in careers in health care who would also like to serve their country. This year, VCU School of Dentistry has four graduating dental students who have made a year-for-year commitment to service in exchange for education. Read on to learn […]

Destiney Coles is the youngest graduate of the Dental Hygiene Class of 2023 at VCU School of Dentistry. At just 20 years old, Coles graduates this week with a bachelor’s degree at an age when most of her peers typically start the program.  “This week, I accepted an award from the school for clinical excellence […]

An annual tradition during graduation week at VCU School of Dentistry, the Senior Awards Ceremony recognizes students who went above and beyond what was expected of them during their time at the school. This year, 54 awards were given honoring students in our Doctorate of Dental Surgery and Dental Hygiene programs. Please join us in […]

Saleh Smadi had known for some time that he wanted to work in health care. When he was a child growing up in Jordan, he had fractured his tooth while playing outside. The broken tooth caused him unimaginable pain, and his parents had to drive him more than an hour to visit the closest dentist. The ordeal made a lasting impression, later inspiring him to pursue a career where he could provide the same kind of relief from pain that he had experienced.

VCU School of Dentistry has named Carlos S. Smith, D.D.S., M.Div., F.A.C.D., as the inaugural associate dean for inclusive excellence, ethics, and community engagement, effective April 24.

We had a very productive year at the predoctoral clinic during the 2022-2023 academic year. I kept myself busy revising and improving the curriculum, planning new activities, and mentoring students. The curriculum restructuring allows the second and third year students to have more endodontic experiences earlier in their education, improving their critical thinking. Those experiences […]

Hello everyone. I have been working with residents on research projects focusing on root canal morphology. These include radiographic and CBCT analysis of three-rooted premolar anatomy and the association of the portal of exit of missed MB2 canals with apical periodontitis.  Ongoing research projects are directed towards vital pulp therapy. I am currently a part […]

It always amazes me how quickly time passes before our eyes. It has been more than a year since our last alumni newsletter, so there is much to share with you. Dr. Clara Spatafore retired from her position in June 2022. Since her arrival in October 2014, she served as interim and permanent chair of […]

Hello, alumni! Hope this update finds you well.  Last July we welcomed three incoming first year residents who, along with Dr. Aziz Mallik, make up VCU Endo’s Class of 2025. This has really been a great group of guys to work with. We’ve all meshed well together and have made the resident room not only […]