Welcome and Welcome Back

Welcome, students!

An immigrant born in an African refugee camp … a third-degree black belt holder in martial arts … a three-time state champion hurdler … a skydiver …

These are among the members of The Dental College of Georgia Class of 2020.

The freshmen were welcomed during the college’s Welcome Back Assembly Aug. 24 in the J. Harold Harrison, M.D. Education Commons. The assembly, which featured well-wishes from faculty, administrators, alumni and representatives of organized dentistry statewide and beyond, also included the presentation of $464,000 in scholarships for outstanding first-, second-, third- and fourth-year students.

“We have a very diverse group,” Dean Carol A. Lefebvre told the students, citing many who already have distinguished themselves in areas including sports, music, volunteerism and community service. “We’re off to a very good start.”

While applauding the many things they’ve already accomplished, Lefebvre cautioned them that they have big shoes to fill. “We know that dental school is challenging, and we set the bar high,” she said. “For instance, in addition to the academic excellence of the Class of 2016, members of the class provided over 7,000 hours of community service during their dental education and presented class gifts to the Give a Smile Foundation and Dentists for Della. So, freshmen, no pressure.”

But she assured them they will have all the support they need — including from each other — as they earn their degrees. “You need to get through dental school as a team,” she said. “Lean on each other, care for each other and be there for each other. You will be rewarded with lifelong friends.”

Welcome, Residents!

A mother of five … an Alaska native … a Pokémon Go devotee … multiple golf and racquetball aficionados …

These are among DCG’s new crop of residents. The residents will be on campus for one to four years, depending on their program. Seventeen out of the 31 residents/interns are DCG graduates.

The new residents and interns are:

Advanced Education in General Dentistry:

• Ryan Burroughs

• Adam Coleman

• Leigh Garrison

• Jeni Heselbarth

• Miles Yarborough

General Practice:

• Jordan Berry

• Brad Callahan

• Edward Crosland

• Stephen Drescher

• Andrew King

• Pate Smith

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery:

• Bryan Benton

• Kiara Brown

• Thomas Farrell, intern

• Brian Sellers, intern

Pediatric Dentistry:

• Jodi Davalos

• Christopher Parker

• Stephanie Silva

• Jenny Stevens

Periodontics:

• Stuart Beauchamp

• Cherilyn Kasperian

• Kyle Garrett

• Mallory Ulmer

Prosthodontics:

• Eric Bailey

• Lilian Ha

Endodontics:

• John Camba

• Brandon Griffin

• Marcus Miller

Orthodontics:

• Marielle Beauchamp

• Mariesa Manente

• James Raley