Faculty Raises More than $100,000 for Perio Department

RSDM’s Department of Periodontics received over $103,000 in donations and pledges, thanks to Dr. Howard Drew, Vice Chair of the department. He created the “Dr. Drew Challenge’’ by giving $50,000, which raised more than $50,000 in matching funds. He has also pledged an additional $50,000 now that alumni and faculty stepped up as donors.

Dr. Drew issued the challenge to match his gift as a way of drawing attention to the department’s work and reputation. In recent years, it has grown to become an innovative training ground for periodontal, implant and laser surgery, as well as regenerative and esthetic surgical procedures, he said. “The objective was to bring in our alumni and make them aware of some of our achievements,’’ said Drew. “A lot of them haven’t been back in years and they aren’t aware of how outstanding the university and department are. The most significant goal of the match was to enlighten them.’’

Drew ticked off a list of department accomplishments under the leadership of Interim Chair Dr. Andrew Sullivan, Undergraduate Director, Joel Pascuzzi, and Post Graduate Director, Emil Cappetta, including its status as one of few schools in the nation to teach laser periodontal techniques. “The department has excelled in our clinical and didactic programs; we are doing great research and we have numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals,’’ said Drew.

Last year, the university performed a record number of implants, aided by advanced technology. Drew and others are also proud of the Dental Specialty Center, where periodontal residents perform clinical work alongside providers in endodontics, orthodontics, prosthodontics and other specialties. “The design of the facility lends itself to interdisciplinary therapy, communication and camaraderie’’ he explains. “Years ago, you had to go to another floor in the building to get a consultation with a dentist from another specialty. But now, the patients, faculty and everyone benefits.’’

In addition, to raising money for the periodontal department, the campaign has increased attendance for department symposiums and continuing education courses, along with RSDM alumni events, according to Drew.

Since the 1980s, Dr. Drew has been a generous donor to the school, contributing scholarship monies, funding a cone beam machine and creating his fund for the Dental Specialty Center, which opened in 2016.

The following donors pledged a $5,000 or more donation to name a perio operatory:

Thomas Bissell, DDS

Emil Cappetta, DMD

Daniel M. DiCesare, DMD

Louis Galiano, DMD

Deb Goldsmith, RDH, MS, CHS

Cecile Feldman, DMD

Manjiri Bhate Mathur, DMD

Joel Pascuzzi, DMD

Robert Pollara, DDS

James Rynar, DMD

Steven Scrivo, DMD

Andy Sullivan, DDS

Anthony Volpe, DDS

Harry Zohn, DMD

Here is a list of additional donors who contributed to the periodontal match:

Sophia Chadda, DDS

Tat Chiang, DMD

David Goteiner, DDS

Nina Lehrhaupt, DMD

Thomas Scorziello, DMD

If you would still like to be part of the Dr. Drew Perio Challenge, reach out to Joan Liljegren at 973-972-0307.