Dental College of Georgia recognizes faculty, staff at annual retreat

The Dental College of Georgia recently presented several awards at the college’s annual faculty retreat on Dec. 15.

The annual event is designed to highlight excellence among DCG employees to promote institutional values and to enhance understanding among faculty. Along with a boxed lunch, employees enjoyed an award presentation, door prizes and educational lectures.

DCG faculty recognized several employees for their contributions in the past year. Award winners ranged from instructors to clinical leaders to supportive staff.

• Dr. Kim Capehart, interim chair of the Department of General Dentistry, was presented with the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Faculty Research & Scholarship Award.
• Dr. Amara Abreu, associate professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences, and Dr. Doug Clepper, clinical assistant professor, were presented with Pierre Fauchard Academy Clinical Teaching Awards.
• Desiree Washington, DCG faculty support liaison, was honored with the Outstanding Contributions and Faithful Service Award.
• Dr. Cynthia Hipp, associate professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, was honored as MVP of the DCG Admissions Committee.
• Dr. Van Haywood, professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences, was honored as MVP of the Promotion and Tenure Committee.
• Dr. Fred Rueggeberg, professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences, was honored as MVP of the Research Advisory / Research Table Clinic Planning Committee.
• Dr. Stephanie Sidow, associate professor in the Department of Endodontics, was honored as MVP of the Student Affairs Committee.
• Dr. Weston Fortson, assistant professor in the Department of Orthodontics, was honored as MVP of the Infection Control Committee.
• Dr. Catherine Jauregui, assistant professor in the Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, was honored as MVP of the Faculty Development Committee.

Several faculty also presented educational lectures to promote DCG’s vision and values. Dr. Babak Baban, associate dean for research, and Dr. Todd Schoenbaum, professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences, presented “The Future of Research and Scholarship at the DCG.”

Dr. Kim Capehart, interim chair of the Department of General Dentistry, and Dr. Alan Furness, assistant dean for patient services, spoke on “The DCG Image, Brand and Reputation; Present and Future.”

Dr. Kevin Frazier, vice dean, and Dr. Gregory Griffin, assistant professor in the Department of General Dentistry and vice chair of the DCG Faculty Senate, workshopped “Developing a Sense of Belonging through a Shared Workplace Culture.”

Additionally, the Department of General Dentistry (DGD) recently honored outstanding contributors for their dedication and support:

• Dr. Eduardo Britton, assistant professor of general dentistry, was awarded the DGD annual Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Dedication and Support to Students.
• Susi Hamilton, director of assessment and compliance, was awarded the DGD annual Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Contributions and Support to the department for an employee outside of the DGD.
• Dr. Nancy Young, assistant dean of student affairs, was awarded the DGD annual Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Dedication and Support to the department from someone inside the DGD.

Award recipients were gifted a certificate and a $50 Amazon gift card in thanks for their service.