DCG Leadership Educate at GDA Conference

When faculty and leadership from The Dental College of Georgia (DCG) attend professional gatherings, they do more than participate – they lead, educate and inspire. That impact was on full display at the 2025 Georgia Dental Association (GDA) Annual Convention & Expo, held June 19–22 at the Omni Amelia Island Resort, where DCG representatives played a central role in shaping conversations around the future of dentistry.

DCG attendees contributed significantly to the educational value of the event, offering expertise, thought leadership and clinical insights to dental professionals from across Georgia and the Southeast. Faculty presentations tackled real-world challenges and emerging trends, sparking meaningful dialogue and delivering practical tools for practice improvement.

Featured presentations included:

• Dr. Elizabeth Floodeen (OMS Residency, ’24), Assistant Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery – “Facial Aesthetic Solutions: Botox and Filler Techniques for Dental Professionals”
• Dr. Rafael Pacheco, Associate Dean for Digital Technologies – “Digital Dentistry and Materials Selection: An Update”
• Dr. Veerinder Pannu(MS, ’11), Assistant Professor, Department of Restorative Sciences – “Safeguarding Smiles: Best Practices for Dental Infection Control”
• Dr. Todd Schoenbaum, Director of Clinical Research – “Prosthetic Implant Complications: Causes, Prevention, and Management”

Their contributions exemplify DCG’s role as a driving force in advancing dental education and patient care. The impact extended to alumni as well, with Dr. Michael Pruett (DMD ’92) presenting “Pharmacology and Opioid Update for Today’s Dental Practice,” further reflecting DCG’s sustained influence on the profession.

In addition to sharing knowledge, DCG leaders strengthened networks and forged new partnerships. Attendees included:

• Dr. Bill Bachand, Program Director for AEGD and GPR Residencies
• Dr. Greg Griffin (DMD, ’98), Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Alumni
• Dr. Rhoda Sword (DMD, ’03; MPH, ’24), Professor, Department of Restorative Sciences
• Dr. Kim Capehart, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Advanced Education

A highlight of the convention was the DCG Alumni Mix & Mingle on June 20, offering a lively space for former students to reconnect and exchange ideas. The DCG alumni table in the exhibit hall further invited engagement, encouraging connections that strengthen the dental community long after the convention ends.

When DCG faculty attend professional events, they bring influence, innovation and a commitment to elevating the profession. Their presence at the GDA Convention once again affirmed DCG’s vital role in shaping the future of dentistry in Georgia and beyond.