VCU School of Dentistry Magazine /summer 2010

Summer 2010

REACHINGOUT

GIVINGBACK

MOVINGON

Published semi-annuallyby the School of DentistryVirginia Commonwealth University

Martha Bushong, MSDirector of Communications and PublicRelationsEditor-in-ChiefSenior WriterPhotographer

David C. Sarrett, DMD, MS, Interim Dean

Neal HancheyLayout & Design

Nancy PerryCopy Editor

Cover photoAllen T. Jones

Photographers:Doug BeurlinClement BrittAllen T. JonesJay Paul

Visit the School of Dentistryon the Web atwww.dentistry.vcu.edu

Please send suggestions,evaluations, and alumni news to:Martha BushongP.O. Box 980566Richmond, VA 23298-0566Or email: [email protected]

School of DentistryBoard of AdvisorsDr. Gerald BrownMs. Melanie Callanta-SwainMs. Stephanie CovingtonDr. William CovingtonDr. Terry DickinsonDr. Barry GriffinMr. Franklin HallDr. Claire KaugarsDr. Benjamin Lambert, IIIDr. Michael McMunnDr. Baxter PerkinsonDr. John PhilipsDr. Carole PrattDr. Pamela RegimbalDr. Warren SachsDr. Peter TragerDr. Jim WatkinsDr. Tanya Parris Wilkins

ContentsInterim Dean’s Greeting 2

Reaching Out

Dental and Dental Hygiene Courses Earn VCU Service-Learning Designation 4

Northern Neck Free Clinic – A Refuge for People in Need 6

SADHA Chapter Gives Oral Care to the Homeless 8

Currents of Change Awards 10

VCU, VDA, VDH – Building Dental Homes for Children Through Head Start 12

Neither Snow, Nor Sleet, Nor Ice... 14

First Annual Revere Lecture Anchors Faculty Appreciation Day 16

Giving Back

Fifth Annual Golf Tournament Tees Up Reunion Success 19

Reaching Out by Giving Back 20

Recognizing Alumni Achievements 22

Perkinson Paints for Reunion Audience 23

Moving On

Graduates Take Center Stage 25

A Match Made in Lynchburg 26

Homecoming in the Heart of Texas 27

Graduation 28

Faculty Kudos 29

Calendar (back cover)

2 VCU SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY • www.dentistry.vcu.edu

Interim Dean’s GreetingGreetings, from the VCU School of Dentistry. As your interim dean, I

have the good fortune to share a few words and thoughts with you in thismessage.

Shortly after the New Year, we found out the School of Dentistry wouldundergo a leadership transition. Dr. Sheldon Retchin, Vice President forHealth Sciences at VCU, asked me to serve as interim dean at the schoolwhile he formed a committee and launched a search for a new dean. I washonored to have the opportunity to serve the school. So I want to take thismoment to say a very big thank-you to everyone—students, staff, faculty,alumni, and friends—for your support and assistance. In the past fewmonths, I have spoken with many deans of other dental schools. While weface challenges at VCU, we have much to be proud of at the School of Dentistry. Every dean shouldbe so lucky to have what we have.

Part of what we have at VCU’s School of Dentistry is a proud history of service, which forms thevery foundation of our professions. In this issue of our magazine, we highlight some of the school’sspecific aspects of service to individuals, community, and institutions. I think the stories you will readand the images you will see will make you proud to be a part of the VCU dentistry family. I know I am!In these stories, we see students and faculty reaching out and providing compassionate care topatients in Richmond and beyond. We see alumni giving back, establishing scholarships, and helpingfuture professionals. We see our newest graduates moving on and choosing specific ways of servingin rural and underserved areas. I hope these examples inspire you and those around you as you eachserve in your own way.

Finally, I think it is important for you to know who the dean is. I have already met, and workedclosely, with many of you who may be reading this greeting. For those of you who may not know me,I encourage you to visit a link on the VCU website (http://www.people.vcu.edu/~dsarrett), which high-lights some of my background information.

Thank you for allowing me to serve you.

Best wishes,

David C. Sarrett, DMD, MSAssociate Vice President for Health Sciences & Interim Dean

Summer 2010 3

REACHING OUT

Dental and DentalHygiene Courses EarnVCU Service-LearningDesignation


To expand their learning, student dentists and dentalhygienists at Virginia Commonwealth University find it wise toleave the school. For decades, they have served the communitythrough outreach projects such as Special Olympics, Mission ofMercy (MOM) projects, Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) Days, androtations in community-based settings. Until this year, many ofthese off-campus experiences, though an important part of theschool’s service mission, were not formal credit-earning activi-ties.

This year, structured hands-on community experience, cou-pled with guided self-reflection, earned two courses, ClinicalGeneral Dentistry and Clinical Dental Hygiene II, III, distinction asVCU service-learning courses. The university reserves this dis-tinction for exemplary courses that fulfill specific criteria. Service-learning courses meet a community-identified need through aminimum of 20 hours of community service per student persemester. Last year, as a university, VCU offered 80 coursesholding this distinction and provided service-learning experi-ences to over 2,000 students.

“I came to dental school because I wanted to help peoplefeel better,” said Sarah Kandrac (D2011). “I’ve volunteered onMOM projects and done other mission work. I think it is greatthat we get to go out into the field for our coursework and seewhat it is like to live and practice in rural and underserved com-munities as part of our formal learning.”

Service-learning combines community life with campus life.It reaches beyond the classroom into areas of local need. “Oneof the most valuable aspects of these courses is the guidedself-reflection through journaling our students do,” said Ms. Kim

“Serving people throughoutVirginia is like taking amini-tour of the state. Iwent places I didn’t knowexisted and saw things Iwould not have seen if Ihad stayed in Richmond.Even though I am headedto California next year for aresidency, I think I willcome back to Virginia.”

Dr. Pete Appleby (DDS’10)

Isringhausen, program director. “In their journals, stu-dents share their thoughts about delivery of care andthe socio-cultural milieu. They explore their feelingsabout caring for diverse populations in communitieswith great need. The journals foster empathy andlead to conversations about the struggles and chal-lenges of people who come from different back-grounds.”

Research in schools of dentistry nationwide indi-cates that students who engage in community-basedactivities return to their school-based clinics morecompetent, more proficient, and more confident intheir skills. They also gain a deeper understanding forthe needs of patients in underserved populations.

“There’s no guarantee that the exposure todiverse populations will ensure that future dentistsand dental hygienists will practice in rural or under-served areas,” said Ms. Isringhausen. “But we knowif they have the experience of being there, there is abetter chance for making that choice.”

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhy do we have Clinical Service-Learningin the curriculum?The new accreditation standards require it. Standard 2-25 statesschools “must make available opportunities and encourage stu-dents to engage in service-learning.” The intent statement saysservice-learning experiences are essential to a culturally compe-tent workforce, add a special dimension, and engenders lifelongappreciation for community service.

What would happen if the school did lessservice-learning?Students would lose an important educational experience thatthey value. Pulling back would risk damaging carefully devel-oped relationships with our community partners and could bepotentially damaging to populations who are most vulnerable.

Does the school pay the sites any fees to haveour students placed with them?No, the sites bear all the expenses of lodging, transportation, andmeals.

How do students handle missed lectures?DDS students have no lectures in the D4 year. Dental Hygienestudents use an online platform to keep up with their course.

What are some of the strengths and weaknessesregarding the level of supervision?Faculty members at the sites are non-paid adjuncts. Mostalready are adjuncts at the school and already teaching. Theyallow more flexibility on the treatment and put more responsibili-ty on the student. They are calibrated on OSHA policies throughthe continuing education office. The sites want to be calibratedto the standards we do at the school.

How are students awarded credit?Emphasis is on the service and not production. We track whatthe students do, but they aren’t awarded points for it.

What are some of the biggest challenges ahead?Balance the need for technical proficiency with the benefits oftreating underserved, underinsured populations in different areasof the state.Balance the need for students in the predoctoral clinics at theschool with the need to have them working off-site.

Summer 2010 5

Travelling northeast from Richmond, the landscape changes, Piedmontsurrenders to coastal plain. Hills flatten as backwaters and estuaries, home toshellfish and shorebirds, invade the terrain. For decades, city dwellers andretirees looked here for refuge and found places to slow down, relax, and enjoythe friendly atmosphere and the calmer pace near the Chesapeake Bay.

But the pace at the Northern Neck Free Clinic south of quaint, picturesquedowntown Kilmarnock, more than an hour away from downtown Richmond, isanything but slow or calm. By 1:30 on a Thursday afternoon, seven studentdentists and two student dental hygienists from VCU have been workingsteadily for more than five hours. Handpieces buzz, while water and suctionflow. Odds are these high-energy teams will work past 7:00 that evening treat-ing patients, while addressing persistent problems of access to dental care inthe community.

“There is so much need,” said Dr. Stuart Martin, a staff dentist at the FreeClinic. “Our bay may run out of oysters, but we will never run out of patients.When students are here, we don’t run out of energy either. They bring so muchvitality, enthusiasm, and youth to the clinic. We love having them here.”

The students may see things a bit differently at the end of a long day, feel-ing less than energetic, but they believe the hard work and 11-hour days atsites like Northern Neck are one of the best things about dental school. Thisyear, each senior will spend an average of 21 days off-campus providing careto underserved Virginians in community-based sites.

These experiences extend what the students learn at the school. They seethe community-based sites as valuable clinical experiences, learn to workfaster, and gain confidence in clinical decision-making and patient manage-ment. The Kilmarnock clinic is one of a dozen extramural rotations that formthe backbone of the school’s newly designated service-learning courses.

“The students add a hugedimension to our work. I amcontinually impressed withthe compassion and respectthey show for theirpatients.”

Dr. Stuart MartinNorthern Neck Free Clinicstaff dentist

Northern NeckFree Clinic–A Refuge forPeople in Need


The value of the service-learning courses, howev-er, extends far beyond the clinical experience. “Byexposing students to more patients of varied ethnic,socioeconomic, and demographic backgrounds,” saidMs. Kim Isringhausen, program director, “they gain afuller understanding of the benefits of practicing inrural or underserved communities. They come toappreciate the needs of communities throughout theregion. Our hope is that as they do, they choose topractice in communities like these after graduation.”

In the service-learning courses, extraordinary vol-unteers, paid staff members, VCU student dentists,and VCU student dental hygienists collaborate to pro-vide quality dental care to people in need. The off-campus rotations have been part of the curriculum forsix years.

The program began in the 2003–04 academicyear with three sites. Two of them, Northern NeckFree Clinic (Kilmarnock) and Free Clinic of CentralVirginia (Lynchburg), remain active. In 2009–10, theexpansion reached a high-water mark of 14 sites. Ms.Isringhausen estimates that in a 10-month time periodduring 2009-10, the sites provided over $1 million infree dental care.“In these rotations, we increase our speed and

confidence,” said Jeff Davidson (D2010). “We getto focus on getting the work done. Here, we seeeight patients every day. It makes us realize we canhandle it. This is how it will be when we graduate.”

Summer 2010 7


Homeless, jobless, and penniless, the men who show up at

the Salvation Army Rehabilitation Center in Richmond have lost

everything to drugs and alcohol. Frequently, the only thing they

do have is something nobody wants — aching teeth. The center,

a place for men to get clean and sober, provides counseling, job

training, and a safe place to stay.

“People who are drug dependent typically don’t take care of

their teeth, so they are often in extreme pain,” said Ms. Tammy

Swecker, assistant professor in the VCU School of Dentistry’s

Division of Dental Hygiene. “They use the drugs to take away

the pain and then their dental health worsens. It becomes a

vicious cycle. If we can alleviate the pain, we think that helps

with recovery.”

For three years, members of the school’s Student American

Dental Hygienists’ Association (SADHA) Chapter have visited the

Richmond Salvation Army Rehabilitation Center, giving the resi-

dents a combination of health promotion, education, some basic

supplies (toothbrushes, floss, and toothpaste), and taking away

toothaches.

When Ms. Swecker took on the role of SADHA advisor, she

wanted to make sure the VCU chapter found a way to serve the

community. Her experience in the VCU Health System made her

SADHAChapter Gives

Oral HealthCare to

Homeless

aware of the Salvation Army’s center. “I knew these men

and knew what might help, but the student dental

hygienists make this project work.”

Since 2007, student dental hygienists have visited

the center on a regular basis. The Dental Hygiene Class

of 2008 gave $2,500 when they graduated to help fund

the project and provide cleanings and extractions for the

neediest residents to have treatment rendered at the

VCU School of Dentistry. Their initial support really got

things rolling. In subsequent years, student dental

hygienists have added money to their treasury with chap-

ter fund-raising activities.

“Many of the men have never been to a dentist in

their entire lives,” said Major White, the director of the

center. “The dental hygiene students come here and do

one heck of a good job. They give solid advice in a pro-

fessional and courteous manner. Most importantly, they

take away the pain.”

Summer 2010 9

Since 2007, SADHAChapter funds haveprovided money for80 screenings, 14cleanings, and 11extractions. SADHAPresident HannahBarnette said,“The project issmall, but everyyear it grows, wehelp more peopleand gain experi-ence delivering careto people in need.”

Photos by Latasha Turner

Each year, the VCU Council for CommunityEngagement proudly highlights and celebratespartnerships that benefit students, staff, faculty,and alumni from communities around the cornerand around the globe. Through its “Currents ofChange” awards, the council recognizes pro-grams of outstanding university-community part-nerships in three focus areas: teaching and learn-ing, outreach and service, and research andscholarship.

For its service to the thousands of Virginianswho cannot obtain dental care despite the urgentneed, the VCU School of Dentistry’s Mission ofMercy (MOM) projects won recognition as anexemplary program in the category of outreachand service.

The School of Dentistry and the Division ofDental Hygiene nominated two additional projectsfor the council’s Currents of Change Award. Theschool’s Clinical Service-Learning program wasnominated for the teaching and learning category,and the school’s Salvation Army Dental OutreachProgram was nominated for the outreach andservice category as well as the teaching andlearning category.

The growth and expansion of these programsexemplifies the School of Dentistry’s continuedcommitment to community engagement. Latasha

Turner, one of the student dental hygienistswho participated in the Clinical Service-Learning program said, “I take great pride inbeing able to help the men at the SalvationArmy Center learn what oral health means tothem, to their bodies, and to their overall well-ness. The most gratifying aspect of the visit isthe outreach to, interaction with, and apprecia-tion of the residents within the program.”


CURRENTSOF CHANGEAWARDS

The VCU Council forCommunity Engagement

presented a signed, limitededition print of Dr. Baxter

Perkinson’s watercolor, “Starsin Motion.” The original

watercolor hangs in the VCUHealth System’s Critical CareTower. This print celebratesthe university’s outstandingcollaboration in communityengagement. Dr. Perkinson

chose this print to symbolizethe universal need for

mindfully engaged citizens

VCU President Michael Rao addressesthe audience at the “Currents of

Change” awards ceremony.

Summer 2010 11

Since Head Start began in 1965 as part of PresidentLyndon Johnson’s “War on Poverty,” it has included ahealth promotion component. Despite the program’s manysuccesses, American children still miss more school daysdue to dental caries than to any other illness. Moreover,compared to other students, low-income children missmore school days due to dental caries.

This year, the VCU School of Dentistry, the Virginia OralHealth Coalition, the Virginia Dental Association (VDA), andthe Virginia Department of Health will forge a partnership tobetter address this major oral health problem among chil-dren. The partners hope to strengthen the oral health com-ponent of Head Start throughout the Commonwealth bylaunching a Dental Home Initiative.

“Federal laws mandate that every child enrolled in aHead Start program receives an annual dental checkup,”said Dr. Tegwyn Brickhouse, department chair for theSchool of Dentistry Department of Pediatric Dentistry andstate leader for the American Academy of PediatricDentistry’s Dental Home Initiative. “That mandate has real-ly stemmed the tide, and the rate of dental caries in manypopulations remains pretty stable. This initiative seeks tomove the care a step further by establishing more dentalhomes for Head Start children.”

“The definition of ‘dental home’ varies,” Dr. Brickhousesaid. “But simply stated, it means children have a licenseddentist or a dental practice where people know them andknow their families. It means they have someone who under-stands their oral health and sees them on a routine basis.”

As an epidemiologist and a public health dentist, Dr.Brickhouse has the perfect combination of education andexperience needed for an effective state leader in Virginia’sDental Home Initiative. “Teg is passionate about the oralhealth of children,” said Dr. Terry Dickinson, executive direc-tor of the VDA. “Her perspective on the importance of pre-vention and health promotion will be an enormous asset tothis initiative. Not only that, she can also leverage resourcesfrom the VCU School of Dentistry to help make this part-nership successful.”

One of the many caregivers of Head Start children inVirginia who already uses VCU as her family’s dental homeis Mrs. Sonya Fallen. For two years, she has been bringingher children to the school’s Department of PediatricDentistry for checkups and treatment. “We live in CharlotteCounty, and we drive to get here, but it’s worth it,” she said.

However, Mrs. Fallen also noted that many families withchildren in Virginia’s Head Start programs might not knowwhere to go to receive routine, dependable dental care.“Head Start makes sure the children get to the dentist,” shesaid, referring to the program’s insistence on annual dentalcheckups, as mandated by federal law, “but they don’t tell uswho to see.

Mrs. Fallen said the VCU dentists and their staff cantake care of everything, from the most routine exam to morecomplicated surgeries. On her family’s most recent visit, her2-year-old son Kyle, who was with her husband in anotherclinic operatory, had no cavities; but her son Kaleb, age 4years old, had several suspicious white spot lesions that mayneed further treatment.

Dr. Andrew Reed, Chief Resident of Pediatric Dentistry,examined Kaleb’s teeth, asked detailed questions about hismedical history, and recommended treatment options for thefamily to consider. He also showed Mrs. Fallon the white


Kyle and Kaleb Fallen’s family have made theVCU School of Dentistry their dental home.

VCU,VDA,VDH–Building Dental Homes forChildren Through Head Start

spot lesions on her son’s teeth and, more importantly, how to help her soneffectively brush his teeth until he develops the ability to adequately brushindependently.

“So much of what we do in pediatric dentistry is based on the pre-vention of childhood caries through the education of both parents andchildren,” Dr. Reed said. “We take the time to educate parents about theimportance of oral health through proper habits and practices.”

“Sometimes, it can be extremely difficult to get young children tocooperate with the brushing of their teeth,” Dr. Reed continued. “In someinstances, we teach parents different positions and techniques that enablethem to adequately care for their children’s teeth on a daily basis.”

To increase access to dental care for Head Start children, and to givemore children the opportunity for better overall health, the Dental HomeInitiative will use a decentralized, community-based approach. It willestablish and broaden provider networks and web-based training andregional workshops. With start-up funds of $10,000 from the AmericanAcademy of Pediatric Dentistry, Virginia’s regional trainings will be held incollaboration with VCU School of Dentistry faculty, pediatric dental resi-dents, and student dentists.

“I plan to use some of these regional programs as part of the pre-doctoral pediatric dentistry rotation,” said Dr. Brickhouse. “This way, wecan move our students into community sites and complement their activ-ities in the school’s clinics. The rotations will give student dentists the kindof experiences they need to feel comfortable treating children as generaldentists or specialists when they graduate.”

The initiative’s targeted regions include Northern Virginia, SouthwestVirginia, Central/Southside Virginia, and Tidewater/Eastern Shore Virginia.“My next step is to set up recruitment meetings,” said Dr. Brickhouse, “androll out the first regional training workshop in the fall of 2010.”

“In Virginia, barriers to dentalcare vary by region, but if youlook at the concentration of HeadStart centers and their relation-ship to the location of pediatricdentists, you can see much of thevariability is demographic andgeographic,” said Dr. TerryDickinson. “Even when we pro-vide dental access points at ourMission of Mercy projects, it isdifficult to treat the pediatricpopulation in those settings. InWise, for example, we encourageHead Start to bring the children aday early to see what we can do,but we know there are manychildren we miss.”

Summer 2010 13

Dr. Terry Dickinson, executive director ofthe VDA, with a Head Start patient at theWise County MOM Project.

Dr. Elizabeth Berry, assistant professor inthe Department of Pediatric Dentistry,led the department’s 2010 efforts.

14 VCU SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY www.dentistry.vcu.edu

When near blizzard conditions envelopedthe city of Richmond on February 5, 2010,many local Give Kids a Smile sponsorsrescheduled their program because of theinclement weather. The VCU School ofDentistry’s Department of Pediatric Dentistrystayed open with plenty of volunteers, butdidn’t know exactly what to expect. Withschool closings, they suspected even morechildren might show at the clinic, but thenagain, everyone might stay home.

Because Dr. Carl Atkins (DDS ’83, Pedo’85) enjoys the unexpected nature of life andhis work, he willingly braved the icy road con-ditions to lend some much needed help. “Iusually take Fridays off,” said Dr. Atkins.“When Dr. Elizabeth Berry asked if I could bein the clinic on that day, I gladly said yes. Ibrought my staff with me because I had afeeling we’d be busy and, with my own team,we could be more efficient and treat the moredifficult cases. That made the work challeng-ing and interesting.”

As the snow fell on the city’s streets andsidewalks, children and parents sat in chairslining the hallways of the Wood MemorialBuilding, waiting to hear their names called.Behind the doors of the clinic, Dr. Atkins, hisoffice team, and 41 other volunteers fromVCU School of Dentistry treated 94 uninsuredand underinsured children, providing morethan $38,000 in free dental care.

For years, the American DentalAssociation has promoted Give Kids a Smileas part of National Children’s Dental Health

Neither Snow,Nor Sleet,Nor Ice...

Since the department hosted its first Give Kids a Smile event in 2008, the num-bers of children served has more than doubled. “I don’t see how we can get anybigger,” said Dr. Tegwyn Brickhouse, department chair. “One thing we might wantto consider for next year is offering some health education to the children andparents.”

Month. This year, dentists nationwide providedfree treatment and education for 320,000 chil-dren.

“I do this because it gives me such a goodfeeling to help,” said Dr. Atkins. “The childrenand their parents really appreciate it. I’ve beeninvolved with this volunteer day in other placesin past years, but the school needed my helpthis year and I was happy I could be there.”

Dr. Atkins also serves as an adjunct facultymember in the Department of PediatricDentistry, but his teaching duties started evenbefore he graduated from dental school. “As asenior dental student, I worked as a teachingassistant. Then when I moved onto my residen-cy, I continued those duties. I haven’t stoppedsince.”

“Carl is one of those people who staysengaged,” said Dr. Tegwyn Brickhouse, depart-ment chair. “He consistently follows through. Ican always count on him to be here on hisscheduled day, calmly listening and watchingover our student dentists. He doesn’t mind ask-ing them how they are doing, seeing if theyneed help, jumping in with advice or sugges-tions.”

Dr. Atkins has his own reasons for servingas an adjunct professor at the school. “I teachbecause it keeps me fresh. It’s good to get outof the office and see the birth of new profes-sionals.”

Dr. Carl Atkins treating one of the childrenat the school’s clinic. In FY 2008-09, VCUSchool of Dentistry provided $3.6 million indental care to 5,221 children.

Summer 2010 15

As recently as 2007, surveys conducted by the American DentalEducation Association revealed that dental school deans reported almost400 vacant budgeted faculty positions in their schools. In spite of ongoingnationwide faculty shortages, the VCU School of Dentistry continues toattract a talented cadre of teachers. This year, on April 16, 2010, theschool combined two events on one day to honor the faculty and showappreciation for their service.

“The dedicated people who comprise our faculty are one of our great-est resources,” said Interim Dean Dave Sarrett. “They serve in the operato-ries, treating patients and teaching our students. They work in the laborato-ries, seeking increased understanding and encouraging disciplined inquiryfrom students in dentistry and in basic science. We need to affirm their ser-vice and encourage their continuing education. This day was an effort todo both.”

In the morning, 100 faculty members gathered in the Empire Room ofthe historic Jefferson Hotel to listen to Dr. Irwin Becker (DDS ’69),Chairman of the Department of Education at the Pankey Institute, and toearn six hours of complimentary continuing education credits at the firstannual James H. Revere, Jr., Faculty Appreciation Lecture.

“My experience with the Revere Lecture was very meaningful,” said Dr.Becker, “as I had the special opportunity to address both full-time andpart-time faculty at my alma mater. We had a spirited but very useful dis-cussion at the end of the day. I sincerely hope it was as meaningful tothem as it was to me, and I look forward to working with VCU again.”

Matt Detar (DDS ’07), who recently returned to VCU to teach part-timeat the School of Dentistry, said, “This is my first year as an adjunct facultymember, so obviously I have a lot to learn. I feel so fortunate to have heardDr. Becker and get some practical advice from this pro.”

First Annual RevereLecture Anchors FacultyAppreciation Day


The school offered the continuing educa-tion opportunity at no charge because it wasthe First Annual James H. Revere, Jr., FacultyAppreciation Lecture. Support for the lecturecame from an endowment created in Octoberby Dr. Revere’s friends and VCU faculty mem-bers, Dr. Jim Burns and Dr. John Svirsky. Thetwo friends hope someday the endowmentwill grow financially into an endowed profes-sorship, but until then it provides a wonderfulopportunity for many faculty to learn andgrow professionally.

After the continuing education programconcluded, many faculty members returnedto the Jefferson Rotunda with their guests forInterim Dean Dave Sarrett’s FacultyRecognition Reception. The evening recep-tion capped off a perfect day of thanks andappreciation.

Summer 2010 17

Dr. Jim Revere (left) and Dr. Irwin Becker at theFaculty Recognition Reception


GIVING BACK

Spring 2010 19

2010 Reunion &Alumni WeekendApril 23- 25, 2010

2010 Reunion &Alumni WeekendApril 23- 25, 2010

The school has changed! The stu-dents we talked to were sincerelyhappy to welcome us. They allexpressed, it’s a tough curriculumbut we love it here attitude.

Dr. Paul Callahan (DDS’85)

Fifth Annual GolfTournamentTeesUpReunion Success

Many School of Dentistry reunion classes choseto reach out this year and give back to their almamater. With the leadership of reunion class chairs,classmates volunteered to call other classmates,ask for pledges, host dinners, and make generousgifts and pledges themselves. By mid-May, they hadraised $441,315 in gifts and pledges for endow-ments and unrestricted funds to help the school’sstudents and programs.

Reunion giving sends important messages tocurrent students. It reflects the school’s significancein the lives of its alumni and fosters pride. It demon-strates commitment and engagement of genera-tions of former students.

Scholarships help defray some of the expensesof professional school for academically deservingand financially needy students. With the cost ofhigher education rising and its impact on studentsincreasing, Virginia Commonwealth University’spresident, Dr. Michael Rao, launched a $50 millioncampaign called “Opportunity VCU”, specifically forscholarship gifts. To express their support of thisimportant presidential initiative, the 1960 and 1965School of Dentistry classes earmarked their reuniongifts for dental student scholarships.

The Class of 1960, led by Dr. Bob Eshlemanand Dr. French Moore, gave a record $348,850 ingifts and pledges and created the MCV DDSClass of 1960 Reunion Scholarship Endowment.“My classmates have done well as a result of theireducation and training here at this school,” saidDr. Eshleman. “I hope more will continue to partic-ipate and reach out to future dental students bygiving back.”

Reaching OutBy Giving Back


Dr. Jim Revere and Dr. Phil Kennedy present theirclass gift to Interim Dean Dave Sarrett.

Dr. Mike Campbell presents the gift from the Classof 1985 to Dr. Sarrett.

VVCCUU SScchhooooll ooff DDeennttiissttrryy22001100 RReeuunniioonn GGiiffttss aanndd PPlleeddggeess received as of 5/17/10CCllaassss PPlleeddggee CChhaaiirrssDDS Class of 1960 Dr. French Moore / Dr. Bob Eshleman $348,850DDS Class of 1965 Dr. Jim Revere / Dr. Phil Kennedy $ 21,685 DDS Class of 1980 Dr. Bill Dabney $ 1,200 DDS Class of 1985 Dr. Mike Campbell $ 30,000 DDS Class of 1990 Dr. Dennis Wong $ 12,000 DDS Class of 1995 Dr. Steve Forte $ 24,000 DDS Class of 2005 Dr. Clay Weisberg / Dr. Avi Gibberman $ 3,580

TToottaall $$444411,,331155

Web extra — To see additional photos of all the reunion activities and events, visit the School of Dentistry website at www.dentistry.vcu.edu

Summer 2010 21

Other reunion classes gave unrestricted gifts,which, in challenging economic times, add flexibilityand strength in addressing the school’s budgetaryneeds. “The volunteer leaders in each of the classesworked diligently all spring to make these gifts a reali-ty,” said Interim Dean, Dr. Dave Sarrett. “We can’tthank them enough for their tremendous effort thatgenerated so much support for the school and its stu-dents.”

Dr. Steve Forte and Dr. Sarrett with the Class of1995’s gift.

Dr. Dave Sarrett, Dr. Bob Eshleman, and Dr. FrenchMoore with the gift from the Class of 1960.

Dr. Avi Gibberman presents the gift from the Class of2005 to Dr. Sarrett.


Each year, the Dental Division of the MCVAlumni Association presents two prestigiousawards: The Harry Lyons Outstanding AlumnusAward and the James H. Revere, Jr.,Outstanding Service Award.

In 2010, the Dental Division proudly recog-nized Dr. Jim Watkins (DDS ’75) with the HarryLyons Outstanding Alumnus Award. The awardcriteria outline service to four areas: the school,the school’s alumni, the school’s students, andthe dental profession. Dr. Watkins’ contributionstestify to his character, dedication, and commit-ment to all four areas.

“I have known Jim as a friend, a colleague,and fellow member of the Virginia Board ofDentistry for over 20 years,” said Alonzo Bell,president of the Virginia Dental Association. “Heembodies a true professional spirit with his ser-

vice to dentistry, the community, and the country and istruly deserving of this honor.”

At the same time, the Dental Division also honoredMs. Kim Isringhausen with the James H. Revere, Jr.,Outstanding Service Award. This award recognizes aSchool of Dentistry graduate or honorary alumnus foroutstanding leadership, loyalty, and service to the com-munity, School of Dentistry, and the profession of den-tistry.

Ms. Isringhausen (BS ’95, MPH ’04) has a distin-guished history of service to the school and oral healthprofessions of dentistry and dental hygiene. Currently,she serves as the school’s director of dental hygieneand its clinical service-learning program. As director,she elevated this program by increasing the number ofsites and placements for all student dentists and stu-dent dental hygienists in public health clinics throughoutthe Commonwealth. Students widely agree the extra-mural rotations are one of the best parts of their dentalschool experiences as they learn to treat diverse popu-lations and experience dentistry in other parts of thestate.

Recognizing Alumni Achievements

Dr. Bruce Warnick and Dr. Gordon Townsend from the Class of1940 look forward to coming back each year for Reunion andAlumni Weekend.

Dr. Jim Watkins and Ms. Kim Isringhausenreceived this year’s awards from the DentalDivision.

On Saturday afternoon of Reunion Weekend in April, the large lecture hall of the school’s Delta DentalConference Facility became an artist’s studio as Dr. Baxter Perkinson (DDS ‘70) engaged an audience ofover 100 people in conversation and questions, while painting a landscape and describing the paintingprocess.

Dressed in an olive VCU sweatshirt and workpants, Dr. Perkinson used tools as varied as brushes, buckets,salt, toothbrushes, and even a hairdryer as he painted with characteristic enthusiasm. He charmed the audiencewith a smattering of personal anecdotes, watercolor theory, and stories about classmates and mentors.

“I paint because I have to. I can’t not paint,” he said. “It relaxes and energizes me. When I come homefrom work, I like to spend a couple of hours in my studio painting and unwinding.”

“My wife, Elaine, was the one who encouraged me to start painting,” he continued. “She said, ‘If you cando the kind of dentistry you do, you can paint.’ We took a class together, and I got hooked.”

Artwork displayed in buildings all over the VCU campuses testify to Dr. Perkinson’s prolific output. In theSchool of Dentistry, 220 of his original paintings add color and beauty to the walls of its classrooms, hallwaysand offices.

Dr. Perkinson never sells his artwork. True to his generous spirit, he donates his paintings, matted andframed, for charity auctions or volunteer groups. At the reunion event he did both. An auction of his displaypainting raised $1,001 for the school’s scholarship funds, and he presented reunion class leader and mentor,Dr. Bob Eshleman (DDS ‘60), the watercolor he created during the demonstration.

“Bob was my first teacher,” said Dr. Perkinson, “and a faithful friend to this school for 50 years. I want himto have this picture.”

Perkinson Paints forReunion Audience “I never know exactly

what I am going topaint until I start. SureI have an idea. I knowwhether the picturewill be a landscape orflowers, but I paintfrom my imagination. I have a notion andthen I go with the flow.”

Dr. Baxter Perkinson

Summer 2010 23

MOVING ON24 VCU SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY • www.dentistry.vcu.edu

Summer 2010 25

Interim Dean Dave Sarrett greetedparents, graduates, and families at theschool’s Honors Convocation on FridayMay 21, 2010, by reminding them of thejoyous nature of the event.

“If you are going to clap,” he said,“first of all, do it; secondly, do it loudly;and finally, do it with passion.”

This year’s ceremony took place atthe newly opened Richmond CenterStagePerforming Arts Center where the beauti-fully restored Carpenter Theatre providedcomfortable seating and an elegant backdrop to thefestivities

Representatives of the DDS Class of 2010 present-ed Dr. Sarrett with a check symbolizing a cash gift of$8,500 to help the Clinical Service-Learning. Programand to purchase extra swipe pads for the Lyons,Perkinson, and Wood clinics.

Jennifer Stevens presented a check for $4,600,which represented a gift from the Dental Hygiene Classof 2010 to help the student hygienists who follow them.

The faculty and staff wish our newest graduates allthe best in their future endeavors.

DDS Professional Plans from the Class of 201041 Private Practice 19 General Practice Residencies12 Advanced Education in General Dentistry8 Orthodontics Residencies4 Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Residencies2 Pediatric Dentistry Residencies1 Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

U.S. Military Service, AEGD, or Residencies1 Army2 Navy4 Air Force

Graduates Take Center StageGraduates Take Center Stage


“The service-learning rotations reallyramped up my skills and gave me the prac-tice I needed to become confident in myabilities, while helping people who are inneed of dental care. Once I get settled inBedford, I would love to volunteer at theFree Clinic and continue to help studentsand patients.”

Dr. Rudy Wolf (DDS’10)

When he orients VCU senior student dentists totheir extramural rotation at the Free Clinic ofCentral Virginia in Lynchburg, Mr. Bob Barlowe, theclinic’s executive director, often tells them, “Younever know what will happen while you are here.You may even meet someone who wants to hireyou after graduation.”

That prediction came true for Dr. Rudy Wolf, agraduate of the Class of 2010. “When I came toRichmond four years ago, I thought I would most like-ly return home,” said the San Diego native. “But acombination of factors changed my mind. Afterspending a couple of years in Virginia, I realized Ineeded to practice somewhere that needs me. In arural area, with fewer dentists, I can help more peo-ple. The countryside and the lifestyle of Virginia start-ed to grow on me.”

Dr. Wolf loves challenges and is eager to learnand improve life for others. Rarely satisfied with goodenough, he wants to do more, work harder, worksmarter, and get better results. “I really believe youget out of dental school what you put into it,” he said.“If the cases and patients don’t come to you, go outand find them.”

During his extramural rotation in Lynchburg, oneof Dr. Wolf’s patients canceled, so, true to form, helooked for more work to do. He had one patient andthought maybe he could do more for her becausenow he had more time. So he asked her, “What can Ido for you? Why are you here?”

The patient told him she wanted her front teeth tolook better. They were heavily decayed and she feltself-conscious. Instead of merely restoring the

decayed areas of the teeth, Dr. Wolf used the avail-able time to complete a full smile reconstruction.Using bonded composite resin, he built up eachtooth individually from canine to canine and gave hera whole new look.

“Rudy stood out from the crowd,” said Dr.Anthony Bailey, a dentist from nearby Bedford, whovolunteers as an adjunct faculty member at the clinic.“He didn’t stop working because he didn’t have apatient scheduled. He kept going and found a way todo more. And the quality of his work was first class.”

“We saw eye-to-eye immediately,” said Dr. Wolf.“Dr. Bailey showed me some composite techniqueswhile I was working and we struck up a conversation.One thing led to another and now, several monthslater, we’ve come up with a contract and agreementfor me to practice with him in Bedford when I gradu-ate.”

As a general dentist, Dr. Bailey believes in the pri-macy of his patients. “I want to give them what theyneed, whether it is simple or complex,” he said. “Iwas looking to take on an associate who would bewilling to learn about implants and sedation so mypractice could offer those services. Rudy told methose were exactly the new therapies that he wantedto learn. With the experience Rudy got at VCU, Iknow he already has the skills to do anything we doin my practice now. I’m really looking forward toworking with him full-time very soon.”

A Match Made In Lynchburg

Summer 2010 27

A Match Made In Lynchburg

In her mind, Amber Weems (DDS’10) never dreamed her first job out of dental school would be in Texas, but deep inher heart, well, that was a different story.

The Total Healthcare Clinic, where Dr. Weems’ mother worked as a dental assistant over two decades ago, andwhere her Head Start class received dental care, provides quality health services to medically underserved residents ofNortheast Texas. As the premier provider for Medicaid, Medicare, and S-CHIP and uninsured patients in the community,the agency treated over 23,000 children and adults last year.

“I always felt this was my niche,” said Dr. Weems. “Going to a place like Total Healthcare Clinic is perfect for me. Iwant to provide a great dental service to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. The care will be lower cost, butnot lower quality.”

As a student at VCU School of Dentistry, Dr. Weems received a National Health Service Corps scholarship. The schol-arship award included dental school tuition and fees and a monthly stipend. In return, she will work in a NHSC-approvedHealth Professional Shortage Area for four years. Since the first class of 20 students graduated from VCU School ofDentistry in 1972, over 30,000 clinicians like Dr. Weems have elected to serve Americans in this way.

“It’s a great way to get an education,” she said about the scholarship. “And the pay is great, too. I am starting out ataround the same salary as many of my classmates.”

Dr. Weems searched for jobs in Virginia at first, because that was where she wanted to be. But when she came up shortin the Old Dominion, she knew she had to cast a wider net. So she looked in Louisiana and Texas where she had family.

She still came up short until she mentioned the clinic in Tyler, Texas, to her mother. Even though she didn’t wantparental assistance, Dr. Weems’ mother insisted and made a phone call. The doctors and staff at the clinic were delightedto hear about her, and they called her for an interview within days.

“I am proud, excited, and honored to do this kind of work.” Dr. Weems feels a strong need to give back. “I’m notafraid to say it. We didn’t have much money when I grew up, and I want to go back and help the community that nurturedand supported me.”

Oh yes, and Dr. Weems grandma is happy to have her granddaughter coming back to Texas. “Grandma thinksI’m going to live with her,” she chuckled. “I need to let her know I have other plans, but would welcome somehome-cooked food once in a while.”

“I feel like I’ve come full circle. Aftergraduation, I’m going back to workas a public health dentist in the smalltown in Texas where I grew up andstill have family.”

Dr. Amber Weems (DDS’10)

Homecoming In The Heart of Texas


Graduates Take Center Stage

Graduates Take Center Stage

Summer 2010 29

Dr. Tegwyn Brickhouse, Associate Professor in the Department ofPediatric Dentistry, was appointed the department’s permanent chair afterserving as the interim chair for several months.

Dr. Carolyn Booker, Associate Dean for Student Services, received theAward for Professional Achievement from VCU’s Women in ScienceDentistry and Medicine at the organization’s annual leadership conference.

Dr. Carol Brooks’ Mission of Mercy (MOM) Project was nominated forand subsequently received the VCU Council for Community Engagement’sCurrents of Change Award in the category of outreach and service. Dr.Brooks, Associate Professor in the Department of General Practice, servesas the clinical director of the VCU School of Dentistry’s MOM Project.

Dr. James C. Burns, Associate Dean for Clinical Dental Education, wasappointed by the superintendent of Virginia Military Institute (VMI) to serveon the board of directors of the VMI Research Laboratories. The boardsupervises the fiscal responsibilities of VMI’s research grant applicationsand acceptance.

The Department of General Practice was recognized by the DDSgraduating class as Department of the Year.

Dr. Debra Haselton, Professor and Director of the Advanced Educationin General Dentistry Program, was elevated from Associate Fellow toActive Fellow in the Academy of Prosthodontics at the annual scientificsession in Santa Ana Pueblo, N.M..

Dr. Robert Strauss, Professor in the Department of Oral and MaxillofacialSurgery, was appointed Chairman of the Major Surgery Section of theAmerican Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and served as ScientificChair for the 2010 annual meeting of The American College of Oral andMaxillofacial Surgeons (ACOMS). Dr. Strauss was also elected Secretary ofACOMS.

Ms. Tammy Swecker, Assistant Professor in the Division of DentalHygiene, received the American Dental Education Association’s Professorof the Semester Award presented by VCU School of Dentistry students.

Faculty KudosVCU SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY

Dr. T. Brickhouse

Dr. C. Brooks

Dr. C. Booker

Dr. J. Burns

Dr. D. Haselton

Dr. R. Strauss

Ms. T. Swecker

VCU Virginia Commonwealth UniversitySchool of Dentistry520 North 12th StreetP.O. Box 980566Richmond, Virginia 23298-0566

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Because we are good stewards of the environment, thispublication is printed on recycled paper.Please recycle to a friend of dentistry.An equal opportunity, affirmative action university041206-02.

Cal

enda

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Photo by Allen Jones

August 27, 2010Cyril and Evelyn Mirmelstein Ethics LectureGuest Speaker: Dr. Charles BertolamiKontos Medical Sciences Building, Lecture Hall 1:00 p.m.

October 15, 2010White Coat CeremonyRichmond Convention Center2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

October 24, 2010MCV Foundation Scholarship BrunchThe Jefferson Hotel

October 29, 2010Friends of Dental Education DinnerVirginia Museum of Fine Arts7:00 p.m.

February 19-27, 2011SoD CE First Costa Rican Adventure with John Svirsky, DDSSpace is limited; call 804.828.0869.

Documents

VCU School of Dentistry Magazine /summer 2010