Current events
VCU School of Dentistry Community, Recent and pending high-profile jury trials have elicited strong reactions here and across the country. I reflected over the weekend on the variety of emotions that members of the SoD community are experiencing. Understandably, many are asking questions about equity, the prevalence of weapons and violence in our society as […]
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 As an adult these memories have been replaced by where were you and what were you doing when the 9/11/2001 attacks occurred?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, […]
2021 White Coat Ceremony
If you missed the White Coat Ceremony, you can find the complete recording here. Please help congratulate our DDS DH students who have persevered to reach this milestone! Well done!
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 Cultural Heritage at the VCU School of Dentistry
Please make plans to join our inaugural Diversity Dialogues series. Learn more in this outstanding article. by Carlos S. Smith, DDS, MDiv, FACDDirector – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion VCU School of Dentistry and VCU Dental CareDirector of Ethics CurriculumAssistant Professor Department of General Practice “When we go to the doctor, he or she will not begin to […]
Make it an “On” Day
It is my pleasure to share this message of inspiration and introspection authored by Carlos Smith, D.D.S., M.Div., our director of diversity, equity and inclusion. Dean David C. Sarrett A new year is often an anticipated event. A time to reset, start anew and perhaps even make a resolution or two. Resolutions often give us […]
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 […]
Respect, Tolerance, and Inclusiveness in the School of Dentistry – Reprise and More
Dear School of Dentistry Community, Just steps away from your school, crowds of people converge daily to memorialize, commemorate and remember George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Marquez Arbery. At the same time, these crowds express their frustration and vent their anger as citizens of a world where all people are not respected, valued and […]
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 […]