School of Dentistry

Laura Tolusso Garden

is originally from Roanoke, Virginia. She attended the University of Virginia for her undergraduate studies and then earned her D.D.S. from VCU School of Dentistry in 2012. She completed an AEGD at UNC Chapel Hill, practiced general dentistry in Midlothian, Virginia for three years and is thrilled to be returning to VCU. In her free time, you can find Laura somewhere near the river with her husband, Ben, and chocolate lab, Fisher, or out enjoying Richmond’s great restaurant scene. Ben and Laura are also preparing to welcome their first child this November.

Megan Green

is from Atlanta, GA, and attended the University of Georgia for her undergraduate studies where she cheered for a year. She attended the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, GA for dental school. She loves watching Georgia football, and enjoys working out and cooking. As a new Richmond resident she is excited to enjoy all of the restaurants and culture this city has to offer.

Richard Sedwick

A graduate of VCU School of Dentistry in 2011, Richard Sedwick has returned to VCU excited to further his career and education in Endodontics. He is originally from Harrisonburg, VA, and has recently been practicing and living in the Staunton area with his wife, Heather, and their three children: Charlotte, Elliott, and Vivian. When he’s not reading dental lit or playing with the kids, Richard enjoys playing and watching soccer, hiking, and eating popcorn while watching Netflix.

Mei Tang

Mei Tang came to the US to pursue higher education. Originally from Macau, China, she graduated from University of California, Davis with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Toxicology. She received her D.M.D. degree from University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and completed a general practice residency at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. She then interned at VCU Department of Endodontics before joining the endodontic residency program this summer. Her interests include baking, table tennis and argentine tango.

Dr. Cyrous Ardalan

Ardalan grew up in Winston Salem, North Carolina. He received his bachelor’s degree from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, then graduated from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 2007. After dental school, he completed a GPR at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He then practiced dentistry in New Orleans, LA before coming to VCU for his endodontic training. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and playing the guitar.

Dr. Riley Sturgill (husband Jeremiah)

Sturgill grew up in the small rural town of Piney Flats, Tenn. She graduated from King University in 2008, the same year she got married and moved with her husband, Jeremiah, to Arizona for both of them to attend the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health. Fast forward six years, and they are now in Richmond, Va. He practices orthodontics, and she specializes in endodontics at VCU. Sturgill loves nature, her pets (Keeper the golden retriever and Pogo the orange cat), and any sport, game or outdoor activity, making Richmond a great place for her and her family to live.

Dr. Husain Karashi

Karashi is from Kuwait. He attended Creighton University for his undergraduate studies. Later he earned his D.D.S. from Creighton University School of Dentistry. He went back to Kuwait and practiced for two years before joining the endodontic residency program at VCU. In his free time he enjoys playing soccer, running, baking and hanging out with family and friends.

Dr. Eshwar Arasu

Arasu is from Columbus, Ohio. After graduating from the University of Michigan, he received his D.M.D. from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine in 2015. He divides his time evenly between playing tennis, watching football, and eating at Chipotle.