PFA honors faculty, students and more at conference

Faculty and students from the DCG earned top honors during the Pierre Fauchard Academy annual Alabama, Florida, Georgia Convocation and Awards Ceremony, held Feb. 27 to March 1 at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Georgia.

Dr. Alan Furness, associate dean for Patient Services, received the Excellence in Dental Education Award. Senior dental student Tristan Pugh was named recipient of the 2026 Mark Ritz Research Scholarship and presented his research during the breakfast program. Garrison Lovett, also a senior dental student, earned the PFA Scholarship Award. Dr. Kathleen Robinson (DMD, 1990) was recognized with the Volunteer Faculty Award for her continued involvement in dental education.

Dr. Kevin Frazier, DCG vice dean, presented awards during the ceremony.

In addition to these honors, Dr. Lisa Marin (DMD, 1990), chair of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Dr. Rafael Pacheco, Associate Dean for Digital Technologies, were inducted as a new fellows. Fellowship in the Academy is by invitation only and recognizes ethical dentists who have made outstanding contributions to the art and science of dentistry or to society. Candidates must be graduates of an accredited dental school.

Several DCG alumni were also inducted as fellows, including Dr. Ulysses Marable, owner of Fantastic Smiles in Fort Valley, Georgia; Dr. Jesse McMillan (DMD, 2013), co-owner of Hilliard & McMillan Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Adel, Georgia; Dr. Robert O’Brien (DMD, 2013), of Dental Care Center in Macon, Georgia; and Dr. LaQuinta Williams (DMD, 2018), co-owner of One Smile Away in Augusta, Georgia.

Former DCG faculty member Dr. Antwan Treadway, an oral surgeon with Atlanta Oral & Facial Surgery, was also inducted.

The annual convocation brought together dental professionals from across the region for volunteer activities, continuing education sessions, scholarly presentations, a business meeting and the formal awards ceremony.

Congratulations to our faculty, students and alumni on their well-deserved recognition and continued commitment to excellence in dentistry.