As one of the top dental schools in the country and the only in Virginia, VCU School of Dentistry plays a vital role in preserving and improving the oral and general health of the state. Located on the VCU Health Campus in historic Richmond with a robust nonprofit dental practice within the school, we utilize state-of-the-art technologies to provide a unique, hands-on educational experience to students in our dentistry, advanced dental education, graduate research, and dental hygiene programs. Founded in 1893, we operate in accordance with the standards established by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
From clinical and materials studies to cutting-edge biomedical research conducted at our Philips Institute for Oral Health, often in collaboration with National Cancer Institute-designated VCU Massey Cancer Center, research is present throughout our school. We serve the community by providing affordable dental care to those in need at our downtown clinics, through service-learning collaborations at 15 community clinics throughout the state, by facilitating care at outreach events in underserved communities, through international volunteer missions, and by educating the public on topics involving oral health, not to mention countless hours of volunteer work and fundraising efforts led by our students and faculty.
The School of Dentistry was created in 1893 when the University College of Medicine opened with a dental department as one of its original divisions. The Medical College of Virginia inaugurated a dental education program in 1897, and in 1913 the two programs merged to form the MCV School of Dentistry.
In 1968, by an act of the Virginia General Assembly, the Medical College of Virginia merged with Richmond Professional Institute to form Virginia Commonwealth University. The School of Dentistry is located at the VCU Medical Center.
The VCU School of Dentistry has a rich history that dates back more than a century. In that time, the school has undergone many changes. The school and its students witnessed considerable advances in technology, relocation and construction of new buildings, new visions and missions for the school and new leadership.
Each of the 16 past deans contributed something unique and valuable to the school and its students, faculty, and alumni. These dedicated professionals created a tradition of excellence at the VCU School of Dentistry and shaped the future of the dental profession.
Lewis M. Cowardin, M.D., D.D.S., headed the University College of Medicine's dental school from 1893 to 1910 without renumeration, all the time making substantial contributions to the school to keep it going when there was no endowment or state aid. He was one of the founders of the Richmond Dental Society in 1894 and practiced dentistry for more than 56 years.
Henry C. Jones, D.D.S., enjoyed an enviable reputation in his private practice in Richmond, was colonel of the First Virginia Regiment and served as director-general of the Exposition held in Richmond in 1888.
J. Hall Moore, D.D.S., labored unceasingly to raise the standards of dentistry. His work as leader in the framing of the dental law in Virginia earned him the reputation as the 'Father of Dentistry in Virginia.'
Harry Bear, D.D.S., was the first graduate of the School of Dentistry to serve as dean. Bear earned a national reputation in the field of dental education and was president of the American Association of Dental Schools and the American Society of Oral Surgery and was a Fellow of the American College of Dentists.
Harry Lyons, D.D.S., D.Sc., LL.D., joined the School of Dentistry faculty shortly after his graduation in the Class of 1923 and rose through the ranks from instructor to professor and head of the Department of Oral Pathology, Diagnosis and Theraputics. He was named dean in 1951. Lyons oversaw the move of the school from McGuire Hall to the VCU Dental Building 1, and helped break ground for what is now known as the Lyons Dental Building.
John A. DiBiaggio, D.D.S., M.A., LL.D., was named dean in 1970. During DiBiaggio's tenure, the departments of Periodontics and Endodontics were launched. DiBiaggio later served as president of the University of Connecticut, Michigan State University and Tufts University.
James Edward Kennedy, D.D.S., M.S., formerly chairman of the Department of Periodontics, enhanced the school's standing in the research community and moved to forge a stronger relationship with alumni. Kennedy later served as dean of the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine.
James H. Revere Jr., D.D.S, has served on the faculty at the school in a wide variety of positions, both instructional and administrative, for 40 years. He currently serves as the director of planned giving. Revere is held in high regard by many generations of dental school alumni.
Lindsay M. Hunt Jr., D.D.S., Ph.D., placed a heavy emphasis on professionalism and ethics. His contributions include leading extensive renovations to the school's physical facilities as well as a redesign of the clinical curriculum. During his tenure, the VCU Philips Institute of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology was established.
Ronald J. Hunt, D.D.S., M.S., led the effort to implement a new electronic clinic management system, including digital radiography and an electronic dental record for patient care. During his tenure, construction of the W. Baxter Perkinson Jr. Building was completed. Hunt served as president of the American Dental Education Association.
David C. Sarrett, D.M.D., M.S., initiated the Ph.D. program in oral health research and expanded the schools research initiatives, and sponsored awards by 600%. He created the Department of Dental Public Health and Policy and established the VCU iCubed Transdisciplinary Core in Child and Adolescent Oral Health, one of the first of its kind at VCU. Sarrett established the schools digital dentistry program and worked to secure a solid financial foundation upon which to build for the future.
Clara M. Spatafore, D.D.S., M.S., the school's first female dean, created a renovation plan for clinical spaces, took steps to establish greater equity in faculty compensation, and implemented technologies to enhance clinical and educational experiences. A Navy veteran and endodontist with more than three decades of oral health care experience, Dr. Spatafore oversaw a significant increase in patient volumes after Virginia expanded Medicaid in July 2021 to include comprehensive dental coverage. While interim dean, she also served as chair of the combined Department of Endodontics and Oral Diagnostic Sciences.