Congratulations to Dr. Elizangela Bertoli from the Division of Orofacial Pain and Dr. Dolph Dawson from the Division of Periodontology on their recent promotions to Associate Professor with tenure.

Dr. Bertoli joined UKCD in 2007 as a part-time assistant professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry and Orofacial Pain. In addition to teaching several pre-clinical and clinical courses for DMD students, she also attended for Orofacial Pain Residents during clinical sessions. In 2011, she became a full-time professor within the department. Outside of teaching, Dr. Bertoli conducts research related to chronic orofacial pain patients and psychological distress. When asked about her future plans with the college, Dr. Bertoli had this to say:

"I want to continue teaching and motivating dental students and residents with the ultimate goals of producing proficient and professional health care providers. I am also committed to serving patients by providing high-quality care with a patient-centered approach."

Dr. Dawson began teaching part-time after finishing his residency at UKCD in 1998. He maintained a private periodontal practice and served as the periodontist for the Lexington Veterans Affairs Medical Center for a number of years before returning to UKCD. Since returning, he has continued to teach oral diagnosis and periodontics, and work in support of the UK Center for Oral Health Research. Dr. Dawson is also the director of the graduate periodontology program.

Dr. Dawson is diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, and an Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry certified instructor. He is an active member of both the American Association for Dental Research and the American Academy of Periodontology. His clinical interests include both surgical and non-surgical periodontal therapy, including treatment with laser, dental implants and esthetic periodontal therapy. Of his future goals, Dr. Dawson explains that he would like to extend his work with LANAP/LAPIP training to faculty, and to develop faculty training for laser-assisted therapies beyond LANAP and LAPIP.