Dr. Gina Graziani: Possibilities of positive change are infinite

Below are comments from Dr. Gina Graziani, Chair of Pediatric Dentistry at West Virginia University School of Dentistry, on Friday, June 28, 2024 at a reception for the launch of a pediatric residency program. 

You can watch her comments online.

View dental school and health sciences photo albums from the reception. 

Hello and Welcome! I am Gina Graziani, Chair of Pediatric Dentistry here at WVU School of Dentistry. Thank you all for joining us on what is surely a momentous time for the State and the oral healthcare of West Virginia families. As of this coming Monday, July 1, 2024, the WVU School of Dentistry will officially begin the State’s first and only advanced education program in pediatric dentistry! This program has taken several years to come to fruition; however, if you ask Peter Ngan of WVU Orthodontics, the State has been waiting 30 years!

The possibilities of positive change from the development of this program are infinite.

• For every graduate who matriculates through the program who enters private practice that provides necessary oral healthcare for children in urban or rural areas. Whose practice provides employment opportunities and growth for their community.
• For every graduate who enters the hospital setting to provide a possibly missing link in a patient’s achievement of overall, systemic health
• For every graduate who enters academia, that influences future generations of mentees and peers,
• For every graduate that enters public policy forums and organized dentistry to change the landscape of legislature surrounding oral healthcare.

The possibilities are endless. And, it starts today. This program. These people. Our people. This School. Our Home.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. Well, the same is true of a program. We have received endless support from so many individuals and in so many ways. Whether it was monetary donations, grant funding, academic design, educational development, a helping hand, a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on - you all have been there with us along the way. Thank you for your time, your dedication, your energy and your heart.

This day simply would not have been possible without the unwavering and endless support of an exhaustive list of miraculous individuals and organizations.

The WVU SoD community, Thank you to all the departments within the School of Dentistry that have supported and will continue to support the pediatric dental residents. Bryan, Sam, Peter

The WVU Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Stephen, Clay and Gordon, thank you.

The State of WV and the Dept of Health and Human Services, Jason, Julie - thank you to you and your team.

WV and SoD Alumni and Donors - thank you for your support and gifts.

Children’s Hospital, Pediatrics, Anesthesiology, and so many more - Thank you Amy, Pavi, Chuck, Candy and the team.

The list goes on, eternally.

I’d like to take an opportunity to introduce one of the hardest working, most committed and inspiring individuals I’m fortunate to work with. She is tenacious, intelligent, and encourages those around her to strive for success everyday. This program and this first group of residents is lucky to have Dr Dami Kim as their program director.

I’d also like to introduce the real stars of the show today, if you haven’t already had a chance to say hello. Our inaugural group of pediatric dental residents.

Hailing from Nimitz, WV, Dr. Brianna Bevil. She is a 2024 graduate of WVU School of Dentistry.

Dr. Branson Martin, from Hurricane, WV and is also a 2024 graduate of WVU School of Dentistry

Dr. Erin Miller from Wheeling, WV and is a 2013 graduate of WVU School of Dentistry.