Erica Reed, D.D.S., and husband Jason Lawrence, D.D.S., are contributing to the Dentistry Facility Fund and the Department of Orthodontics Fund.
“People give back to their profession in many ways,” Dr. Reed said. “For me, I’m not able to give time due to a very demanding job. I wanted to give in the only way I could.”
The Facility Fund was created to help build a new multi-story, state-of-the-art dental facility in order to keep pace with the rapid advances of the dentistry field. To be completed by 2018, this new facility is essential for WVU to remain an accredited dental program. Initial funding is being used to hire an architect and develop renderings for the project.
The Orthodontics Fund benefits current students by allowing them to travel and network around the country.
“Each year, the Department of Orthodontics allows graduate students to attend meetings and conferences to enrich their didactic and clinical knowledge,” Peter Ngan, D.M.D., professor and chair of the Department of Orthodontics, said. “The travel and lodging expenses are generously supported by alumni like Dr. Reed and Dr. Lawrence.”
Dr. Ngan said that in addition to travel expenses, the fund supplies state-of-the-art equipment and textbooks for training the next generation of orthodontists.
“As a resident, I didn’t have to pay for travel or lodging when attending meetings,” Reed said. “Both Jason and I received a dental scholarship for one year, and the alumni support meant a lot to us.”
Reed earned both her D.D.S. and a master’s degree in orthodontics from WVU. While in school, she received the WVU Dental Award for Academic Achievement and the WVU Faculty of the School of Dentistry Award. She is currently involved with the West Virginia Association of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedists.
Lawrence recently completed his D.D.S. from the WVU School of Dentistry and is continuing his education in the orthodontics master’s program.
For additional information about giving to the School of Dentistry and its current projects, go to www.hsc.wvu.edu/givetodentistry/Home.
The gift was made through the WVU Foundation, the private non-profit corporation that generates and provides support for West Virginia University. The Foundation is currently conducting A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University – a $750 million private fundraising effort on behalf of WVU.
