We the people will not forget
by Dean Clara Spatafore When I was a child everyone would talk about where they were and what they were doing when our president John F. Kennedy was shot in Dallas. As an adult these memories have been replaced by where were you and what were you doing when the 9/11/2001 attacks occurred? It was […]
A historic feat
A historic feat, the American College of Dentists (ACD) is the first dental organization to dedicate a full issue of its Journal to the issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. Carlos Smith, D.D.S, M.Div., FACD, an associate professor, director of diversity, equity, and inclusion; and the ethics curriculum here at the VCU School of Dentistry, […]
Supporting our Asian community at the VCU School of Dentistry
Over the six weeks that I have been your interim dean, I feel we have made great strides in moving our school’s culture to one of positivity and hope. But it saddens me personally that, as a country, we do not seem to recognize the richness and value that our diverse culture brings to our […]
Celebrating Black History Month
Dear VCU School of Dentistry Community, Once again let me express what an honor it is to serve as the interim dean of the VCU School of Dentistry. Together with the rest of the United States during the month of February we celebrate Black History Month. The following message is from Dr. Carlos Smith […]
The events of this past week in our Nation’s capitol
By David Sarrett and Carlos Smith We all should be saddened by the violent events this week in our Nation’s Capital. Political division has, and always will, exist in our country. For political division to devolve into violence, personal injury, and property destruction in the building where debate is supposed to find solutions to political […]
2020 – Year End Review
While there are those who may wish 2020 were already over, I have to admit that I am not one of them. I can’t remember a time in my professional life when I’ve been more proud. Never before have we come together to meet such a crisis head on. To solve a problem. To boldly […]
DEI committee report
From Dr. Carlos Smith, our director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), comes the following update highlighting his and his committee’s important work to shape institutional leadership surrounding diversity, cultural sensitivity, and health inequities. I applaud Dr. Smith’s leadership and vision as well as his committee’s commitment to address changes needed in our school and […]
One team united
The events leading up to Election 2020 mean different things to different people, but one thing is certain: your voice is critical to our democracy. If you have not already done so, be sure to exercise your right to vote. Because we are remaining open for patient care on Tuesday, Nov. 3, plan the trip to […]
Inaugural Inclusive Excellence Week
In spite of the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the school’s inaugural Inclusive Excellence Week took place Oct. 19th – 23rd. The week of virtual events presented speakers highlighting a variety of topics from oral health disparities and cultural sensitivity, to clinician wellness and workplace laws. Congratulations to Dr. Carlos Smith, our newly appointed […]
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 […]