Dr. Richard Archer Appointed Director of Clinical Sciences Education
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Richard Archer as the Director of Clinical Sciences Education, and he will report primarily to the dean and secondarily to the Senior Associate Dean, Dr. Ellen Byrne. As Director, Dr. Archer will eventually replace Dr. Jim Burns as the Associate Dean for Clinical Education and will overlap for six months with Dr. Burns to ensure a smooth transition. Dr. Archer is currently the Interim Chair of the Department of Endodontics and will also retain this title and role. This new position combines duties that currently are housed by the Associate Dean for Clinical Education and the Director of Advanced Education, and includes additional new duties. This position will also be part of a growing team being assembled to lead the design, revision and oversight the DDS curriculum. (see appointment of director of basic dental science education http://wp.vcu.edu/dentistrydean/2013/09/03/dr-andrew-yeudall-appointed-director-of-basic-dental-science-education/). Dr. Archer will also oversee the administration of the advanced dental education programs and serve to lead the integration of the dental hygiene clinical education program with both the DDS and advanced dental education programs.
Dr. Archer earned his D.D.S. degree from The University of Maryland Dental School in 1982. He was sponsored by the United States Navy for specialty training and graduated from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1990 with a Certificate in Endodontics and a M.S. degree. After 11 years as a Navy Dental Officer, Dr. Archer was active in private practice for 17 years in Chesapeake, Virginia.
While teaching in the Navy GPR program at Naval Hospital Portsmouth, VA, Dr. Archer began teaching part time at the VCU School of Dentistry. He continued as an adjunct faculty member for 19 years before becoming full time faculty in 2009. Dr. Archer achieved his board certification in 2011 and is a Diplomate of The American Board of Endodontics.
Dr. Archer has been the Predoctoral Endodontics Director since 2010 and the Interim Chair of the Department of Endodontics since 2011. Since joining the faculty, Dr. Archer has worked extensively in preparing dental students for state board exams. Dr. Archer has served the Southern Regional Testing Agency as an Endodontics Advisor, and is the Chair of the Endodontics Subcommittee of the American Board of Dental Examiners. Dr. Archer is also a member of the Educational Affairs Committee of the American Association of Endodontists.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Jim Burns for his years of service as Associate Dean for Clinical Education. He has dedicated many hours to this position and accomplished much. His willingness to continue for six months in the administrative transition with Dr. Archer is greatly appreciated. Dr. Burns will continue as Chair of the Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences.
This appointment is designed to support the goals of the VCU Quest for Distinction and the School of Dentistry’s strategic plan.
VCU Quest Support: Theme1, B; Theme III, B
Goal 1.1
The School of Dentistry will provide its students an academic and clinical education that reflects the knowledge, skills and values needed for future success.
Objective 1.1.1
To develop and maintain academic and clinical curricula that reflect evidence-based advances in research, technology and changes in the oral and general health needs of the population
Objective 1.1.2
To prepare students to self-assess their learning outcomes and allow them opportunities to individualize their preparation based on areas of strength and interest and future career plans
Goal 1.5
The School of Dentistry will be financially positioned to be a premier educational institution and employer in an increasingly competitive health care field
Objective 1.5.1
To identify ways, including new sources of revenue, to contain student educational costs (tuition and fees) and support educational improvements
Goal 3.1
The School of Dentistry will be known for the high quality and value of its patient services, including undergraduate, graduate and faculty practice
Objective 3.1.1
To provide patient services that are consistent with the mission of the School of Dentistry