By Mackenzie Meleski 

VCU School of Dentistry faculty and alumni are leading the way in dentistry in the Richmond region, earning honors in Richmond Magazine’s latest “Top Dentists” list. 

This annual issue celebrates the region’s most outstanding dental professionals in several categories. The winning providers are selected by their peers in a survey.  

This year, the School of Dentistry is represented by seven faculty members and dozens of alums, a testament to the school’s continued dedication to patient care and the high standard of education and clinical training the school has to offer.  

"Although recognition is not why we do what we do, it gives me a sense of pride to see so many faculty and alumni of our school featured,” said Lyndon Cooper, D.D.S., Ph.D., dean of VCU School of Dentistry. “Our school’s overwhelming presence on the list is a reflection of the work we do within our walls and the work that our alumni continue to do beyond." 

In addition to the “Top Dentists,” a new special recognition debuted this year, called “Super Star Dentists,” which identifies individuals who have been voted a “Top Dentist” at least five of the last 10 years. 

This is the fourth year in a row that Sarah Glass, D.D.S., assistant professor in the Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, made it on the “Top Dentists” list. She was featured on the list for her outstanding contributions to oral cancer treatment and research. In addition to the regular list, she also made it onto the “Super Star Dentists” list in the Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology category. 

“This recognition is a reflection of the incredible work happening across VCU School of Dentistry,” Glass said. “I feel fortunate to contribute through the lens of oral and maxillofacial pathology, a specialty that often operates in the background but plays a vital role in guiding patient care. I care deeply about this work, so it’s especially meaningful to know it’s valued by others.” 

Also on the list is Tiffany Williams, D.D.S., M.S.D., FACD, associate professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and the director of the Pediatric Dentistry residency program. For Williams, the recognition was significantly meaningful and a reflection not only of her own dedication, but also the work of her department. 

“As someone who grew up in Richmond, it brings me so much joy to serve the city that raised me and to care for the pediatric population here,” Williams said. “I’ve been seeing patients at VCU since I was a resident in 2012, and it’s both heartwarming and nostalgic to have followed some of these families for the past 13 years. Watching children grow and being a consistent part of their care has been one of the greatest joys of my career.” 

Here are more faculty members who made it on the list of Richmond’s Top Dentists: 

Hospital Dentistry 

Tiffany Williams  

Nazy Zahedi

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology 

Sarah H. Glass 

Aniket Jadhav  

Anusha Vaddi

Oral Cancer, Other Oral Conditions & Diseases 

Sarah H. Glass 

Alexandra Howell

Pain Management 

Shawn McMahon  

School of Dentistry alumni, faculty and former residents make up more than 71% of this year’s Top Dentists honorees, with alumni represented in every category on the list. Of those listed as Super Star Dentists, 82% are VCU alumni, faculty or residents. 

“Congratulations to all of our alumni who have been doing such monumental work since leaving VCU,” Cooper said. “Their commitment to clinical excellence and patient care is an inspiration to us here, and we hope that our current students aspire to be like them.” 

As the only dental school in Virginia, VCU School of Dentistry faculty and alumni play an essential role in preserving and improving the oral health of all Virginians. Through dedication and outstanding patient care, our faculty and alumni are leaders in their communities and we are very proud of all of their accomplishments. 

See the full list of 2025 “Top Dentists” from Richmond Magazine.

Click here to check out the list of “Super Star Dentists.”