Ron Richardson, DDS, and Michael Richardson, DDS, were each honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award during the West Virginia University School of Dentistry annual Alumni Association Spring Reunion. The presentation took place April 24 during the weekend luncheon at Morgantown Marriott Waterfront Place that also recognized the five-and 10-year reunion classes.
The Distinguished Alumnus Award is one of the highest honors bestowed by the WVU School of Dentistry Alumni Association, celebrating graduates who exemplify professional excellence, leadership and service to their communities. Honorees are selected by a committee representing the Association.
A 1981 graduate of the School of Dentistry, Dr. Ron Richardson completed his General Practice Residency at WVU before establishing a family and cosmetic dentistry practice in Melbourne, Florida. Since then, he has earned widespread respect for his clinical expertise, dedication to patient care and contributions to advancing the dental profession.
He remains dedicated to WVU and has served as president of the WVU School of Dentistry Alumni Association.
As a national speaker, Dr. Ron Richardson has presented on several topics including dental materials, cosmetic procedures and smile design evaluation for labs and dentists. He also served as restorative advisor to the Brevard County (Florida) Study Club and was the only Brevard County member of the Crown Council, a prestigious national alliance of leading-edge dentists.
Continuing his passion as a lifelong learner, he completed advanced training through several of the nation’s most respected postgraduate dental education programs, including The Pankey Institute, LSU Cosmetic Continuum, Pacific Aesthetic Continuum, Kois Center and Fahl Center in Brazil.
Professionally, he is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Florida Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, where he is also a past president. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and was inducted into the American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics in 1999, an honor recognizing excellence in restorative dentistry.
Dr. Ron Richardson is also deeply committed to philanthropy and community service. Through the Smiles for Life Foundation and Operation Smile, he has helped raise significant funds to provide dental and medical care for children living in underserved areas around the world. In his local area, he volunteers his time and expertise to the Space Coast Center for Mothers with Children, offering free dental care to families in need.
He and his wife, Nannette, have two sons and three grandchildren.
Dr. Michael Richardson is the owner of South Hills Family Dental Care in Charleston, West Virginia. Earlier in his career, he was an associate and then partner at Kennedy and Richardson Dental Offices. He began practice as director of Dental Services at Logan General Hospital in Logan, West Virginia.
He received two degrees from the School of Dentistry, a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene in 1987 and a Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1991. As a student, he was president of the American Student Dental Association from 1990-1991 and was involved in many leadership positions with his dental class. He also received multiple awards including the Pierre Fauchard Academy undergraduate certificate of merit, the highest award that can be given to a student from the Academy.
Dr. Michael Richardson continues to serve his alma mater in various ways, including his current position as a member of the admissions committee at the School of Dentistry, as well as a freshman dental student mentor and sponsor for the Clinic Induction Ceremony.
His long-term involvement with the West Virginia Dental Association and American Dental Association culminates next year when he takes office as the WVDA’s 121st president. Throughout his career, Dr. Michael Richardson held offices of vice president and president of the Kanawha Valley Dental Society and as a delegate from the Kanawha Valley Dental Society on the Executive Council of the WVDA. He also served on the Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention and the National Commission on Fluoridation of the ADA, as well as ADA Sixth District Caucus chair and West Virginia Delegates to the ADA.
Among his professional honors are selection as a Fellow in the American International College of Dentists and the Distinguished Dentist Award from the Pierre Fauchard Academy.
Dr. Michael Richardson and his wife, Kelly, a 1988 graduate of the WVU Dental Hygiene program, are the parents of two daughters. They also have two grandsons.
The annual spring reunion brought together alumni, faculty and guests for a reception, dinner and dance.
For more information about the WVU School of Dentistry Alumni Association, visit dentistry.wvu.edu/alumni.
Photo at Top: The WVU School of Dentistry Class of 1976 celebrates their 50th reunion. (WVU Photo)
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