Diversity, Equity and Inclusion update
A joint submission by Dean of the School of Dentistry, David C. Sarrett, D.M.D., M.S., and Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Carlos Smith, D.D.S., M.Div. At the School of Dentistry, we value a professional, ethical, inviting, and supportive atmosphere for all. Our purpose is to create and maintain an academic health care community where […]
Carlos Smith named new DEI director
I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Carlos Smith as the School of Dentistry’s director of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In this inaugural position, he will serve as a key member of my leadership team with oversight for all diversity, equity and inclusion activities that support students, residents, faculty and staff […]
New leadership role for Dr. Susie Goolsby
As Director of Student Recruitment in the school’s Admissions Department, Dr. Susie Goolsby greatly enhanced our recruitment and application success, particularly for underrepresented minority students. She served in this role while managing her ongoing appointment in the Department of General Practice. I want to thank her for her important work as she makes a new […]
Sharon Lanning named Periodontics Chair
Sharon K. Lanning, D.D.S., has been named chair of the Department of Periodontics. Prior her July 1 appointment, she served as interim chair. Dr. Lanning brings a wealth of clinical and academic experience to the chair role. She has been a leader in dental education and inter-professional health sciences education. Please join me in congratulating […]
DDS and Dental Hygiene Clinics Reopening
Starting on Monday, July 6, we welcome our dental and dental hygiene students back to their clinical education. This marks a major milestone in the school’s return from the COVID-19 set back. We reopened safely in May with faculty and residents treating patients and are ahead of our original opening plan. We have instituted state-of-the-art […]
The Significance of June 19
As our nation must eliminate racial injustice and health inequity, there is no better time to look within ourselves, to pause and to learn about this important day in history. Our students say it best. I am privileged to share their voice. _____________________________________________________________________________ Today is Juneteenth! It is also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, […]
A Moment of Silence
With each passing day, we learn more about the experiences of our African American students and colleagues at the hands of law enforcement, the criminal justice system, and, yes, even within the VCU School of Dentistry. Both in and out of the dental school many are met with disrespect, prejudice, and injustice — particularly our […]
A reminder to check on your African American and black friends, mentees and mentors. It’s a hard time.
This title of this blog entry is a message one of our students wished to post on a class social media page. The rest of this story has complicated points of view and resulted in hurt feelings and competing priorities. I am sad that what appeared to be a positive working relationship turned sour to […]
We’re Safer Than Ever
I trust everyone enjoyed a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day holiday and remembered our fallen warriors. At this time of year, we must also remember our health care warriors and first responders. Dental health care workers and learners were sidelined in March, but I’m so pleased to announce that we have returned to bring oral health […]
Fall happenings
Welcome Mary Pettiette, D.D.S., associate dean for admissions I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mary Pettiette, D.D.S., as associate dean for admissions and professor of endodontics. She will begin her duties in November. I want to thank the search committee, chaired by Clara Spatafore, D.D.S., M.S., for its diligent and thorough work in conducting a […]