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 As an adult these memories have been replaced by where were you and what were you doing when the 9/11/2001 attacks occurred?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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]