Class of 2022: From UAE to NY, Mina Ibrahim’s path to dentistry was filled with challenges and rewards
Growing up in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, it was Minatallah (Mina) Ibrahim’s own challenges with oral health that drove her to pursue a career in dentistry. “There was a lack of dental public health where I lived, so I wasn’t conscious of my diet and brushing techniques. I ended up getting a […]
Class of 2022: David and Joey Russell prepare to set sail as third-generation Navy dentists
Brothers Joey and David Russell are used to the jokes and gentle ribbings from their classmates. Their father, David (Al) Russell, D.D.S., is interim chair of the Department of General Practice at VCU School of Dentistry. At first, they tried to keep the connection a secret, but, ultimately, they came to embrace studying at the […]
Class of 2022: With a passion for public health and service, Matilda Sullivan feels prepared for her pediatric residency
Matilda Sullivan is graduating from VCU School of Dentistry with her Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree. Originally from Lynchburg, Va., Sullivan was drawn to VCU due to its excellent clinical reputation and emphasis on service. Watch the video to hear her reflect on her time at the school, her involvement in public health research and […]
Class of 2022: Off to residency a new dad, Jose Silverio reflects on bonds in the International Dentist Program
Jose Silverio is graduating from VCU School of Dentistry with his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree. Silverio was part of the International Dentist Program, having been a practicing dentist in the Dominican Republic prior to coming to VCU. Watch the video to hear him reflect on the close relationships he’s made in the International Dentist […]
Class of 2022: After third VCU graduation in 15 years, dentist Abdullah Alawadhi is going home to Kuwait as an endodontist
When Abdullah Alawadhi, D.D.S., first came to Virginia Commonwealth University in 2007, he had been in the U.S. for less than two days. Having flown from his home in Kuwait to Washington, D.C., then-18-year-old Alawadhi peered out the window of his hotel and saw a new country where he knew he’d be spending the next […]
Class of 2022: Service and leadership brings dental hygiene student out of her shell
Becoming president of the VCU Student Chapter of the American Dental Hygienists Association (SCADHA) was not something Samantha Smith had in mind when she was accepted into the Dental Hygiene program at VCU School of Dentistry in 2020. But, in the last two years, this self-described “introvert times a million” has coordinated numerous community service events at local elementary […]
Missions of Mercy projects return!
Contributed by Michelle McGregor, R.D.H., B.S., M.Ed., director of community and collaborative partnerships at VCU School of Dentistry With the support of the Virginia Dental Association Foundation (VDAF), two Mini Missions of Mercy (MoM) projects took place March 24-26, 2022. One project was at the Chesapeake Care Clinic in Chesapeake, Va., and the other was […]
VCU School of Dentistry Celebrated Women’s History Month with the authors of a new book on minority women leaders in oral health
To celebrate the conclusion of Women’s History Month, last week VCU School of Dentistry hosted three pioneers in the field of oral health to discuss their new book, “Undaunted Trailblazers: Minority Women Leaders for Oral Health.” Co-authors Jeanne Sinkford, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D., D.Sc., Marilyn Woolfolk, D.D.S., M.S., M.P.H., and Shelia Price, D.D.S., Ed.D., M.A., sat […]
Students celebrate their transition to clinical care with a focus on ethics
At VCU School of Dentistry, students in the Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) and Dental Hygiene (DH) programs receive hands-on education as integral team members in a fast-paced dental practice. The transition from the classroom to the clinic carries important responsibilities and a commitment to the health and well-being of their patients. Each year, second-year […]
VCU School of Dentistry gift encourages everyone to do their part for the environment
Last week at VCU School of Dentistry, more than 600 students, faculty and staff received school-branded Tervis® water bottles. The Office of Development and Alumni Relations distributed the gifts as part of a larger green initiative started by Interim Dean Clara Spatafore, D.D.S., M.S., to encourage everyone to reduce their use of disposable plastic packaging […]
