Zoology grad is WVU dentistry school dean

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences alumnus Dr. David A. Felton is now dean of the West Virginia University School of Dentistry. Felton, who earned his 1973 N.C. State bachelor’s degree in zoology, was named to the position in June.

A specialist in prosthodontics (the restoration or replacement of teeth), Felton is a graduate of the UNC-Chapel Hill dental school and had been a member of its faculty since 1990. At UNC, he served as director of graduate prosthodontics from 1989 to 1992 and as chair of prosthodontics from 1992 to 2002.

Felton is a past president of the American College of Prosthodontics and has been editor-in-chief of the Journal of Prosthodontics since 2003. His research interests include dental implants, all ceramic crowns, the relationship between oral health and systemic health and biological responses to restorative dental procedures.

In announcing the appointment, Dr. Christopher C. Colenda, WVU chancellor for health sciences, noted Felton’s international reputation as a clinician, an educator and a researcher.

“He is a hands-on leader with exemplary academic credentials,” Colenda said. “He’s maintained an active dental practice throughout his career at UNC, while serving in leadership positions in his profession. We’re very confident that he can help build upon the success of the WVU School of Dentistry and bring it to national prominence.”