Study measures impact of Medicaid dental coverage for Virginia’s pregnant population
In 2015, Virginia began providing comprehensive dental benefits to pregnant Medicaid enrollees in an effort to eliminate a key barrier to dental care access. In the first study of its kind, researchers from the VCU School of Dentistry and VCU School of Business analyzed survey data to shed light on the policy’s impact on pregnant women.
Increasing access to care through service learning with the Johnson Health Center
Contributed by Janna Laverdiere, D.M.D., dentist at Johnson Health Center, and Michelle McGregor, R.D.H., B.S., M.Ed., director of community and collaborative partnerships at VCU School of Dentistry Every week, two VCU School of Dentistry dental students travel to Johnson Health Center (JHC) clinics in Lynchburg, Va., to provide care under the direction of Janna Laverdiere, […]
Lyndon Cooper receives lifetime achievement award from the American College of Prosthodontists
VCU School of Dentistry Dean Lyndon Cooper, D.D.S., Ph.D., was presented the Dan Gordon Lifetime Achievement Award from the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) on Saturday, November 5. The award recognizes individuals who have contributed at the highest level to the welfare of the ACP and the specialty of prosthodontics, dentistry, science and health professions. […]
VCU School of Dentistry receives NIH funding for collaborative research to improve children’s oral health
Shillpa Naavaal, B.D.S., M.S., M.P.H., was recently awarded two National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants aimed at reducing oral health disparities in children.
VCU scientists pinpoint druggable target in aggressive breast cancer
A collaborative research effort between VCU’s Massey Cancer Center and School of Dentistry has zeroed in on a new therapeutic target for an aggressive form of breast cancer with limited treatment options.
VCU researchers contribute to Virginia Health Catalyst Summit
On Friday, October 7, Virginia Health Catalyst held their annual summit at the Westin Hotel in Richmond, VA. The event brought together organizations and individuals from around the state who share a responsibility and commitment to advancing equity in oral health. The theme was “building community, improving health,” and representatives from VCU School of Dentistry […]
Marion Manski named director of Dental Hygiene program at VCU School of Dentistry
Marion Manski, M.S., R.D.H., will serve as director of the Dental Hygiene program at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry beginning October 17. The program is one of two B.S. in Dental Hygiene degree programs in Virginia, and the only one housed in a dental school. Manski joins VCU from the University of Bridgeport Fones […]
Dentistry, ethics and DEI: Catching up with Dr. Carlos Smith
Carlos Smith, D.D.S., M.Div., is director of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and the ethics curriculum at VCU School of Dentistry. As a trained ethicist and student of history, he examines the context in which societal practices and institutions were constructed through a lens of equality and social justice. Often, he challenges his colleagues and […]
New Oral Facial Surgery Clinic opens at VCU Dental Care and School of Dentistry
The Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at VCU School of Dentistry recently moved into a newly renovated space on the third floor of Dental Building One. The new clinic consolidates the VCU Cosmetic Care and Facial Surgery clinics previously on the first and second floors into a larger space more conducive to patient care […]
Wise MoM event showcases service at the heart of VCU School of Dentistry
After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, Missions of Mercy (MoM) returned to Wise, Va., on July 22 and 23 to provide free dental care to residents of Southwest Virginia. Over two days, more than 300 volunteers served 322 patients, providing free oral health care valued at more than $400,000. Dozens of VCU School of […]