This morning, VCU School of Dentistry\u2019s Class of 2023 celebrated their hooding ceremony, marking their successful graduation from dental school. Gathering in the Dominion Energy Center, students, faculty, family and guests shared in the formality of hooding each dental student and pinning of each dental hygiene student. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In attendance were several distinguished guests including Virginia Senator and pediatric dentist Dr. Todd Pillion; Virginia Dental Association president, VCU alumni and mother of VCU dental student Dr. Cynthia Southern; and Ms. Heather Tuthill, president of the Virginia Dental Hygiene Association and our own assistant professor. We were honored by their presence, offered our warm welcome and accepted their generous congratulations to the Class of 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our tradition includes recognizing two faculty who serve to hood each graduate, and this year the honor was shared by Dr. Mary Baechle and Dr. Ellen Byrne. As each graduate received their hood, they were greeted by their individual group practice instructors who have led them through their third and fourth years of dental school. Hugs, smiles and handshakes were shared before each student received a graduation gift \u2013 this year a crystal name plate. Our dental hygiene students received sashes bearing their pins from Ms. LaTesha McLee and were congratulated by their program director, Ms. Marion Manski. We also honored our graduating M.S. in Microbiology and Immunology research students, with Dr. Oonagh Loughran and their respective mentors donning their sashes. Each student\u2019s step across the stage offered a moment to reflect on their successful journey called dental education. The event ended with many smiles, a few joyous tears and lots of photographs accompanying each of our graduates as they took their final steps as VCU School of Dentistry students. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These were just highlights of today\u2019s celebration of the Class of 2023. So much more was shared among classmates, families, faculty and students. So much of four years is packed into just these few short hours. This was every graduating student\u2019s moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We want all attention to be focused on the graduates and we celebrate both their accomplishments and their joining the dental profession. This transition from students to alumni really deserves highlighting. The professional opportunities ahead will always be linked to your years at VCU. The highs and lows, the excitement and frustration of dental school all combine into an experience in which everyone can take pride. Please remember VCU School of Dentistry as the place that launched your careers, and a school that cares deeply – and will always care – about your success and professional satisfaction. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I speak for our faculty, staff and students when offering best wishes for your next steps and hopes that everyone reaches their individual goals and ambitions. Congratulations to our 2023 graduates. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Congratulations and best wishes to our 2023 graduates of VCU School of Dentistry.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1382,"featured_media":1506,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1505","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-deans-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1505","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1382"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1505"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1505\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1506"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1505"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1505"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1505"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":1500,"date":"2023-03-04T14:22:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-04T14:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/?p=1500"},"modified":"2023-03-13T19:22:40","modified_gmt":"2023-03-13T19:22:40","slug":"celebrating-our-accomplishments-as-we-look-forward-to-spring","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/2023\/03\/04\/celebrating-our-accomplishments-as-we-look-forward-to-spring\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating our accomplishments as we look forward to spring"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
The end of February was a remarkably busy time and a reminder of all that VCU School of Dentistry does so well and what we try to do even better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We can celebrate our educational achievements by knowing that 100% of our students passed the Integrated National Board Examination, and we approached \u2013 but not quite achieved \u2013 that perfect mark on the equally challenging Prosthodontic and Endodontic Board Examinations. Our research accomplishments continue to mount with more NIH R01 awards being received (more about this all in the coming weeks). We punctuated our continuous and broad-based service by holding a well-attended and celebrated Give Kids a Smile Day that was highlighted by a visit from Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney. Our White Coat Ceremony was a joyous event symbolizing the transition to patient care for our second-year dental and third-year dental hygiene students. And, as the month rolled on, we embraced the significance of Black History Month, exploring our recent past through our Diversity Dialogues and celebrating our distinguished African American alumni at the Trailblazer Award Brunch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s inspiring to know that our VCU School of Dentistry students, staff and faculty everyday activities result in such UNbelievable accomplishments. We even had one morning of snow! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I can’t wait to see what this spring will bring.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The end of February was a remarkably busy time and a reminder of all that VCU School of Dentistry does so well and what we try to do even better. We can celebrate our educational achievements by knowing that 100% of our students passed the Integrated National Board Examination, and we approached \u2013 but […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1382,"featured_media":1501,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1500","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-deans-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1500","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1382"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1500"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1500\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1501"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1500"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1500"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1500"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":1497,"date":"2023-02-17T15:16:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-17T15:16:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/?p=1497"},"modified":"2023-03-13T19:20:00","modified_gmt":"2023-03-13T19:20:00","slug":"reflections-on-the-future-of-technology-in-care-and-education","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/2023\/02\/17\/reflections-on-the-future-of-technology-in-care-and-education\/","title":{"rendered":"Reflections on the future of technology in care and education"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Last week, I journeyed with several faculty to see what new technologies and materials are and will be available to dentists and dental students in the coming months and years. Viewing our possible future is an important part of estimating what our dental school curriculum should include going forward. Our visit was an affirmation that there will be new materials for direct restoration, that digital technologies continue to evolve, and that we will be more and more dependent on technology to achieve broader access to clinical care and enhanced patient outcomes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In reflection, what stood out most to me were two things: First, VCU School of Dentistry offers an exciting and current clinical curriculum in terms of materials and technology in a community that challenges us to deliver the promise of innovation to everyone. Secondly, our faculty are keenly aware of and expert users of these materials and technologies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Walking through our undergraduate and graduate clinics, I see great achievements and greater opportunities in our use of new materials and technologies. The lasers and scanners, materials and software all require outstanding faculty and staff able to support our goal of providing the best clinical education to the best of dental students for the broadest community in need. We are fortunate to have \u201call of the above\u201d working at VCU. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Last week, I journeyed with several faculty to see what new technologies and materials are and will be available to dentists and dental students in the coming months and years. Viewing our possible future is an important part of estimating what our dental school curriculum should include going forward. Our visit was an affirmation that […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1382,"featured_media":1498,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1497","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-deans-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1497","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1382"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1497"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1497\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1498"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1497"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1497"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1497"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":1482,"date":"2023-01-27T16:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-27T16:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/?p=1482"},"modified":"2023-01-30T20:20:20","modified_gmt":"2023-01-30T20:20:20","slug":"the-road-to-success-is-always-under-construction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/2023\/01\/27\/the-road-to-success-is-always-under-construction\/","title":{"rendered":"‘The road to success is always under construction.’"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
It has been said that \u201cthe road to success is always under construction,\u201d and this past weekend we witnessed an important step made by our fourth-year dental students in building their success. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They challenged their mock board experiences in both fixed prosthodontics and endodontics and, irrespective of individual outcomes, it revealed\u00a0the\u00a0potential challenges that face them in\u00a0the\u00a0eventual board examination. As an examiner, I too saw these challenges and believe that each student\u2019s accomplishment last Saturday was one more step to greater success with everyone having opportunity for improvement.\u00a0
Students focused, runners hustled, staff organized, examiners graded and we worked all day to provide an honest preview of\u00a0the\u00a0coming \u201creal\u201d examination.\u00a0What made this most inspiring was\u00a0the\u00a0concerted efforts of 59 people who volunteered to support our fourth-year students in completing\u00a0the\u00a0mock board examination.\u00a0The\u00a0advanced planning,\u00a0the\u00a0logistics of engaging students with examiners and even\u00a0the\u00a0snacks and lunches required teamwork.\u00a0Stover said, \u201cIf you take\u00a0the\u00a0team out of teamwork, it\u2019s just work. Now who wants that.\u201d\u00a0Last Saturday, our VCU Dentistry team built a great learning success.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lyndon F. Cooper, D.D.S., Ph.D., F.A.C.P.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dean and Professor of Prosthodontics<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
It has been said that \u201cthe road to success is always under construction,\u201d and this past weekend we witnessed an important step made by our fourth-year dental students in building their success. They challenged their mock board experiences in both fixed prosthodontics and endodontics and, irrespective of individual outcomes, it revealed\u00a0the\u00a0potential challenges that face them in\u00a0the\u00a0eventual […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1593,"featured_media":1483,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1482","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-deans-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1482","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1593"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1482"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1482\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1483"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1482"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1482"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1482"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":1490,"date":"2023-01-13T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-13T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/?p=1490"},"modified":"2023-01-30T15:42:52","modified_gmt":"2023-01-30T15:42:52","slug":"gearing-up-for-an-exciting-busy-spring-semester","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dentistrydean\/2023\/01\/13\/gearing-up-for-an-exciting-busy-spring-semester\/","title":{"rendered":"Gearing up for an exciting, busy spring semester"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Happy New Year to everyone. I hope you all enjoyed the winter break and are energized for a successful spring semester. Already, we have much to celebrate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We started the year by welcoming Dr. Imbery into a new role as interim chair of the Department of General Practice. And last weekend, I attended the ASDA District 4 Conference in Raleigh, NC, where the leadership of our students was on display and several of our faculty including Drs. Carlos Smith and Alex Howell shared their knowledge regarding both community and professional growth for the attendees from many dental schools. <\/p>\n\n\n\n