The History of Tennessee Prosthodontics
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) enjoys a rich history of notable prosthodontists and solid prosthodontic training, having both outstanding graduates and nationally prominent faculty members. Postdoctoral prosthodontic training in Memphis dates to the early 1970’s when the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) sponsored the first formal program. Since its inception, resident training in the Advanced Prosthodontics Program was shared between the VAMC and the UTHSC, which were physically separated by only a few city blocks. In November of 2007, the Program was moved, in its entirety, to the Department of Prosthodontics at the UTHSC College of Dentistry. Both the Advanced Prosthodontics Clinic and the Advanced Prosthodontics Laboratory are housed on the 5th floor of the Winfield C. Dunn Dental Building at 875 Union Avenue.
Tennessee Prosthodontic Residents
| Resident’s Name (Dental School) | Program Duration | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Charles W. Puryear (UTHSC College of Dentistry) | 2012-15 | Current 1st yr. resident |
| Nathan E. Robison (Univ of Minnesota School of Dentistry) | 2012-15 | Current 1st yr. resident |
| Pradeep C. Adatrow (UTHSC College of Dentistry) | 2011-14 | Current 2nd yr. resident |
| Jonathon S. Egbert (Creighton University) | 2011-14 | Current 2nd yr. resident |
| Jenny H. Phung (Temple University) | 2011-14 | Current 2nd yr. resident |
| Wainscott Hollis (UTHSC College of Dentistry) | 2009-15 | Current 2nd yr. resident |
| Sarah Gibbs (UTHSC College of Dentistry) | 2010-13 | Current 3rd yr. resident |
| Andrew Johnson (UTHSC College of Dentistry) | 2010-13 | Current 3rd yr. resident |
| J. Heath Balch (UTHSC College of Dentistry) | 2009-12 | Private Practice, Knoxville, TN |
| Russell D. Morrell (Temple University) | 2009-12 | Resident, Dental Anesthesiology |
| Mark J. Hopkins (University of Saskatchewan) | 2008-11 | Private Practice, Victoria, B.C., Canada |
| Nicholas L. Egbert* (Creighton University) | 2008-11 | Private Practice, Salt Lake City UT |
| Vinay Jain (Govt. Dental College - India) | 2007-10 | Faculty, UTHSC College of Dentistry |
| Swati A. Ahuja (Nair Dental College - India) | 2006-09 | Faculty, UTHSC College of Dentistry |
| Jonathan M. Hart (UTHSC College of Dentistry) | 2006-09 | Private practice, Little Rock AR |
History Note: April 2006
On April 5, 2006, David Cagna petitioned the ADA-CODA to increase enrollment in the UTHSC Advanced Prosthodontics Program from 1 resident per year to 2 residents per year. On June 8, 2006, this request was approved. On November 30, 2007, the ADA-CODA approved a request to house the UTHSC Advanced Prosthodontics Program entirely at the UTHSC College of Dentistry.
| Resident’s Name (Dental School) | Program Duration | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Suzanne K. Coco (UTHSC College of Dentistry) | 2005-08 | Private practice, Little Rock AR |
| Audrey M. Selecman (UTHSC College of Dentistry) | 2004-07 | Faculty member, UTHSC College of Dentistry |
| John West Lewis (UTHSC College of Dentistry) | 2003-06 | Staff Prosthodontist, VAMC Memphis TN |
History Note: July 2004
Upon John Gary’s untimely death on April 26, 2004, Tony Wicks served as transitional coordinator of the UT Graduate Prosthodontics Program until David Cagna was appointed as permanent Director on July 1, 2004. At this point in time, the program was formally renamed the UTHSC Advanced Prosthodontics Program.
| Resident’s Name (Dental School) | Program Duration | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Darton D. Taylor (UTHSC College of Dentistry) | 2002-05 | Private practice & faculty UTHSC |
| Paivi A. Samant (UTHSC College of Dentistry) | 2001-04 | Private Practice, Gainesville FL |
| Ngoc H. Tran (UTHSC College of Dentistry) | 2000-03 | Private practice, Germantown TN |
| Brendan Bernhart (UTHSC College of Dentistry) | 1998-01 | Private practice, Fairfax VA |
History Note: April 1997
In April 1997, Linda Wible communicated with the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation requesting that UT sponsor the Graduate Prosthodontics Program. William F. Bowles, Chair of the UT Department of Prosthodontics, provided a letter supporting this transition. The request was approved and Dr. Bowles assumed directorship of the Program. On December 22, 1998, John Gary was appointed Acting Director of the Advanced Prosthodontics Program.
| Resident’s Name (Dental School) | Program Duration | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Larry D. Powell (Univ. Tennessee, Memphis) | 1996-99 | Private practice: Hot Springs Village AR |
| Ettienne R. Van Zyl (Univ. Tennessee, Memphis) | 1995-97 | Private practice, Memphis TN |
| J. Scott Scallion (Univ. Tennessee, Memphis) | 1994-96 | Private practice, Little Rock AR |
| John C. Howell (Univ. Tennessee, Memphis) | 1993-95 | Private practice, Little Rock AR |
| Michael McBride (Univ. Tennessee, Memphis) | 1992-94 | Private practice & faculty UTHSC |
| Fredrick A. Shaw, III* (Univ. Tennessee, Memphis) | 1991-93 | Private practice, Austin TX |
| Kenneth K. Lisenby (Univ. Tennessee, Memphis) | 1990-92 | Retired |
History Note: April 1990
In April 1990, Linda Wible was appointed Director of the Prosthodontics Residency Program in the VAMC Memphis TN.
| Resident’s Name (Dental School) | Program Duration | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Carl Wegner (Northwestern Univ.) | 1989-91 | Private practice, Morrisville VT |
| William D. Caldwell (Univ. Tennessee, Memphis) | 1988-90 | Staff Prosthodontist, VAMC Memphis TN |
| Peter J. Simone (Tufts Univ.) | 1987-89 | Private practice, Larchmont NY |
| Marc A. Cohen (Univ. Tennessee, Memphis) | 1986-88 | Private practice, Memphis TN |
| James J. Simone* (Tufts Univ.) | 1985-87 | Private practice, Larchmont NY |
| A. Max Metcalf (Univ. Tennessee, Memphis) | 1984-86 | Faculty, Univ. Mississippi College of Dentistry |
| John R. Popper (Univ. Tennessee, Memphis) | 1983-85 | Private practice, Kingsport TN |
| Harry W. McCool (Univ. Tennessee, Memphis) | 1982-84 | Private practice, Lilburn GA |
| Jeff Raphael (dental school unknown) | 1981-83 | Private practice, West Point VA |
| Thomas D. Flanders (dental school unknown) | 1980-82 | Private practice, Delhi NY |
| Michael A. Smith (Univ. Tennessee, Memphis) | 1979-81 | Private practice, Germantown TN |
| Linda O. Wible (Univ. Tennessee, Memphis) | 1978-80 | Staff Prosthodontist, VAMC Memphis TN |
| Tom Peaspanon (dental school unknown) | 1976-78 | Staff Prosthodontist, VAMC Birmingham AL |
| Carl W. Schulter* (Temple University) | 1975-77 | Private practice, Memphis TN |
History Note: 1975
In 1975, Stephen Garrett was appointed Director of the Prosthodontics Residency Program in the VAMC Memphis TN.
| Resident’s Name (Dental School) | Program Duration | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ronald Foltz (dental school unknown) | 1974-76 | Last known residence Louisville KY; Deceased. |
| Arthur Swanson (dental school unknown) | 1973-75 | Unknown |
| Stephen E. Garrett* (Univ. Tennessee, Memphis) | 1972-74 | Staff Prosthodontist, VAMC Fayetteville AR |
Tennessee Prosthodontic Program Directors
| Director’s Name | Appointment Date | Completion Date | Appointment |
|---|---|---|---|
| David R. Cagna, DMD, MS* | July 1, 2004 | Present | Program Director |
| Russell A. Wicks, DDS, MS | April 26, 2004 | July 1, 2004 | Transitional Coordinator |
| John J. Gary, DDS* | Dec. 22, 1998 | April 26, 2004 | Acting Director |
| William F. Bowles, III, DDS* | April 2, 1997 | Dec. 22, 1998 | Program Director |
| Linda O. Wible, DDS | May 1990 | April 2, 1997 | Program Director |
| Stephen E. Garrett, DDS* | 1975 | May 1990 | Program Director |
| James R. Douglas, DDS, MS | 1972 | 1975 | Program Director |
UT Prosthodontics Alumni and Friends
The University of Tennessee and the Advanced prosthodontics Program is proud of its rich tradition and outstanding graduates over the years and wants to stay in touch with alumni. All are welcome to contact the program to update their current activities in the Program’s database or visit the program any time they find themselves in the Memphis area. A number of recent graduates are networking to initiate a formal alumni group and an annual meeting to foster UT camaraderie, professional growth and personal development.
Alumni are encouraged to contact the Program with suggestions for the future or to express and interest in participating in the ongoing educational mission of advanced prosthodontics. Please feel free to contact the Program Director at:
David R. Cagna, DMD, MS
UTHSC College of Dentistry
Department of Prosthodontics
Advanced Prosthodontics Program
875 Union Avenue
Memphis, TN 38163
Dept. Office: 901-448-6930
Clinic: 901-448-7180
Fax: 901-448-1294
E-mail: dcagna@uthsc.edu
