DCG Employees Celebrate Work Anniversaries

The DCG is fortunate to have a dedicated team of employees who have been an integral part of our institution for many years. Their unwavering commitment and expertise have contributed significantly to our success and reputation.

The recent AU Faculty and Staff Service Recognition Ceremony, held Oct. 15 in the Lee Auditorium, was a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the exceptional contributions of our long-serving employees (see list below). From clinical faculty to administrative staff, their dedication and passion have made a lasting impact on our students, patients and community.

Employee retention is a critical factor in the success of any organization. When employees feel valued, supported and engaged, they are more likely to stay with the institution and contribute their best. This not only benefits the individuals themselves but also fosters a positive and productive work environment. And it’s why DCG leadership works hard to show our appreciation for our employees through meals, events, and recognition.

As we move forward, we are committed to creating an environment that supports employee growth, development and well-being. By investing in our employees, we can strengthen our team, enhance our services, and continue to provide exceptional care to our patients. Let’s continue to recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of our long-serving employees. Their knowledge, skills and work ethic are essential to providing the highest quality education and patient care.

Congratulations and thank you to:

35 Years

• David Idles, Senior Dental Lab Technician in Restorative Sciences

• Angela Rechedy, Dental Assistant in Patient Services

30 Years

• Dr. Kelli Agee, Senior Research Associate in Oral Biology & Diagnostic Sciences

• Dr. Mahmood Mozaffari, Professor in Oral Biology & Diagnostic Sciences

25 Years

• Dr. Stephen Hsu, Professor in Oral Biology & Diagnostic Sciences

• Shawn Parham, Clinical Systems and Operations Manager in Academic Administration

• Maria Swires, Administrative Assistant 1 in General Dentistry

20 Years

• Catherine Goodgame, Financial Coordinator in Dental Associates

15 Years

• Stephanie Brown, Dental Assistant in Patient Services

• Melissa Hammac, Office Specialist in Oral Biology & Diagnostic Sciences

• Claire McElmurray, Administrative Assistant 2 in Patient Services

• Dr. Kurt Metzler, Assistant Professor in Restorative Sciences

• Dr. Elizabeth Schappell, Instructor – Part Time in Patient Services

• Dr. Ilanit Stern, Instructor – Part Time in Oral Biology & Diagnostic Sciences

• Dr. Jacob Stern, Professor in Periodontics

• Amy Tarpley, Patient Care Coordinator in Patient Services

10 Years

• Dr. Xiaogang Chu, Postdoctoral Fellow in Periodontics

• John Hayes, Third Party Insurance Claim Specialist in the Business Office

• Judith Pearson, Dental Hygienist in Dental Associates

• Dr. Bruce Riggs, Associate Professor in Restorative Sciences

• Jamicia Stallings, Dental Dispensary Assistant in Central Supply/Dispensary

• Charmaine Walker, Coding Compliance Specialist in Academic Administration

• Zoa Waller, Sterile Supplies Specialist in Academic Administration

5 Years

• Suzanne Bijur, Third Party Insurance Claim Specialist in the Business Office

• Jamie Brown, Clinics Support Specialist in the Business Office

• Latarriea Burton, Office Specialist in Restorative Sciences

• Chandler Carswell, Dental Dispensary Assistant in Central Supply/Dispensary

• Dr. Scarlet Charmelo Silva, Assistant Professor in Oral Biology & Diagnostic Sciences

• Kimberly Curry, Dental Assistant in Patient Services

• Dr. Ahmed El-Awady, Associate Professor in Periodontics

• Jequetta Johnson, Third Party Insurance Claim Specialist in the Business Office

• Cristal Heard, Office Associate in Restorative Sciences

• Angela Lankford, Clinics Support Specialist in Dental Associates

• Alethea Levi, Financial Coordinator in the Business Office

• Dr. Michael Milano, Associate Professor in Pediatric Dentistry

• Jaci Fox-Miller, Dental Assistant in Patient Services

• Holly Moreno, Financial and Business Operations Analyst in Academic Administration

• Sheena Richardson, Office Specialist in Patient Services

• Ashley Rome, Clinics Support Specialist in the Business Office

• Dr. Evila da Silva Lopes Salles, Assistant Research Scientist in Oral Biology & Diagnostic Sciences

• Teresa Strength, Clinics Support Specialist in the Business Office

• Wanda Washington, Office Associate in the Business Office