Periodontal graduate program updates
by Thomas C. Waldrop, D.D.S., M.S. (D.D.S. ’73/D)
Congratulations to the Class of 2020! I am proud to acknowledge Jill Beitz (D.D.S. ’15/D; MS ’20/D), Peter Lee (M.S. ’20/D), and Denver Lyons (D.D.S. ’17/D; M.S. ’20/D) as new diplomates of the American Board of Periodontology.
The Class of 2021 graduation reception was held on July 2, 2021. Graduates were joined by their families, invited guests, fellow residents and faculty to recognize their many accomplishments. It was a face-to-face celebration!
All three graduates successfully defended their master thesis as follows:
Erin Block (D.D.S. ’18/D; M.S.D.’21/D): “Amixicile, a Novel Antimicrobial Agent, and its Effect on the Salivary and Subgingival Microbiome in Rhesus Macaque Monkeys”
Sara Holden (D.D.S. ’18/D; M.S.D. ’21/D): “The Effect of Quercetin in Periodontal Inflammation”
Nicholas Yesbeck (DDS ’18/D; MSD ’21/D): “Antibiotic-loaded Dendrimer Hydrogels in Periodontal Bone Regeneration: A Feasibility Study”
There is no doubt, these three skilled surgeons will make the Department of Periodontics proud as they enter the workforce. We look forward to hearing about their many successes as they enter Virginia-based practices:
Erin Block relocated to Virginia Beach and joined Drs. Barr, Marinak & Associates
Sara Holden remained in Richmond and joined River Run Dental
Nicholas Yesbeck also remained in Richmond and joined Commonwealth Dentistry
These three are on their way to becoming diplomates of the American Board of Periodontology after passing Part 1 of the examination.
Best wishes, to our newest alumni. Stay in touch and visit often!
Please welcome our new first year residents. These exceptional residents are eager to learn and establish a research focus for their M.S.D. thesis. They come to us from:
Sara Kube: University of Louisville, School of Dentistry, 2021
Catherine Ramundo (D.D.S. 2021/D): VCU School of Dentistry, 2021
Roxana Rodriguez (D.D.S. 2021/D): VCU School of Dentistry, 2021
Three of six awards given by the Southern Academy of Periodontology’s Billy M. Pennel Research Competition, 2021 went to VCU residents! I am proud of their accomplishments and congratulate them for a strong showing at the Academy’s annual summer meeting.
In the category of Basic and Translational Science Research:
Erin Block: 1st place for her research titled “Amixicile, a novel Antimicrobial Agent, and its Effect on the Salivary and Subgingival Microbiome in Rhesus Monkeys”
Lina Elnakka: 3rd place for her research titled “Scaling and Root Planing with Localized Delivery of Autogenous Growth Factor – Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF): A Randomized Split-moth Clinical Trial”
In the category of Clinical Research:
Michael Ha: 3rd place for his research titled “An Examination of the Oral and Gut Microbiome Composition in the Presence of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease”
All residents are excited to network and learn more about all aspects of patient care during the upcoming AAP meeting.
We are very appreciative of our generous donors that make these experiences possible for our residents.
Categories Periodontics