AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. CHRIS RICHARDSON

Dr. Elizabeth Reynolds

Dr. Chris Richardson is a periodontist in Richmond. He is the current president of the American Academy of Periodontology, only the third president from Virginia (one of the others being his former partner Dr. Gary Maynard). Dr. Richardson received his undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Mississippi and attended the University of Alabama-Birmingham for dental school, completing his residency at the acclaimed University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio periodontal program. Dr. Richardson and I have known each other for over 20 years, and he took a few minutes out of his busy schedule to sit down with me to talk a bit about his new position.

So, Chris, tell me, why dentistry?

During the summers of my college career, I worked as an operating room surgical assistant. It was an amazing job for an 18 to 22-year-old as I got to assist in general surgery, orthopedics, neurosurgery, plastics and oral maxillofacial surgical care, I really liked the dental surgical aspect and enjoyed the precision of the surgical procedures.

Who were your primary influences?

My parents were big influencers as I spent a lot of time around the hospital growing up. My father was the chaplain at our local hospital and my mother was the office manager for a neurosurgeon. Their connections with many of the physicians and surgeons were influential in my career decision.

You have been involved in organized dentistry from the start. Why? What motivated you to take the time to be so involved?

Dr Jim Mellonig, my Perio Program Director told me, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” I was fortunate to attend a wonderful dental school and an outstanding periodontal residency program. I think it is tremendously important to give back to dentistry and periodontics through volunteer leadership as they have provided me with such a rewarding career. At each level that I have been involved, locally (Richmond Dental Society), regionally (Southern Academy of Perla), and nationally with the American Academy of Periodontology, I have learned so much from the people I have had the opportunity to work with, and I have tried very hard to be someone my volunteer colleagues can look to for innovative thoughts and ideas.

That certainly speaks to the influence of faculty on the decision to join organized dentistry. I would like to mention here that the VDA is grateful for the support it gets from the VCU School of Dentistry faculty, and we are looking forward to working with our new dean, Dr. Lyndon Cooper!

So, you obviously took your perio program director’s words to heart; what do you see as the most important issues facing dentists today, and how do you see organized dentistry (specifically, the ADA) playing a role in supporting our profession in those issues?

Certainly, the scope of influence of dental benefits/insurers is always on everyone’s radar, as is our struggle as a professional organization to ensure that we support all practice models, from the traditional solo practices to group practices to DSO style practices. The most important issue in my mind, however, is protecting the reputation that we have in the public’s eye. The cost of a dental education has skyrocketed, and

I see many of our colleagues feeling as though they have to “sell” dentistry to pay their living expenses and loans. Dentists and hygienists don’t need to sell services, they simply need to educate patients on the risks, benefits, and options they have for tooth repair and replacement, management of dental diseases, and cosmetic services. I want dentistry to maintain its excellent reputation as a caring healthcare profession, and “sell” puts up barriers that are not necessary in a field that enjoys such long standing, integrity. Allowing patients to be involved in the decision-making process of their treatment is key to developing and maintaining good, trustworthy, long-term patient relationships.

The ADA can certainly support dentists and dentistry by continuing to provide publicity campaigns that highlight the importance of seeing the dentist and hygienist regularly. This does not have to be a direct-to-consumer product (which is not affordable nor sustainable) but can target through social media and print publications. The ADA also needs to continue to protect dentistry through lobbying efforts and working closely with state organizations to keep their finger on the pulse of state legislatures and insurers. Additionally, they should assist dentists in interacting with state boards by providing sound, common sense advice on patient care.

What about the AAP? Most of us aren’t as familiar with that organization. Who are they, what do they do, and what role do you see the AAP playing in supporting our profession? We have all watched what happened in medicine when the specialties separated from the AMA; do you see this happening in dentistry? I know that you have worked and continue to work with the ADA to ensure that organized dentistry as a whole is connected, and I think that is amazing. Each specialty obviously has a bias, but the best way to ensure that our patients are well cared for is to ensure that we are sharing all of the research and information available. I see that as how specialty organizations can support the ADA... What do you think?

The American Academy of Periodontology is the worldwide leader in periodontal science and medicine. It is a wonderful organization that offers our members outstanding continuing education content, plug and play consumer outreach programs and communication tools for our referring dentists and hygienists. The AAP has an amazing headquarters staff in Chicago and enjoys having a 95%+ market share of practicing periodontists that are members. The goal of the AAP is to see our members be the collaborative partners of our general practice and specialty colleagues in providing comprehensive patient care.

What is your specific focus this year?

Two years ago I put in place the Task Force on Predoctoral Periodontal Education to evaluate how periodontal education was being delivered and how dental school education has and could influence referral patterns. Last year, I initiated a Best Evidence Consensus (BEC) conference on Biologic Mediators, Those two projects are coming to fruition this year with the findings of the BEC to be published in the Journal of Periodontology and the results of the Task Force to be disseminated to educators and corporate influencers. My year as president will go by quickly and will culminate in our MP Annual meeting in Phoenix. Over the past several years, we have developed a team approach to strategic planning that ensures each initiative crosses the finish line, not just driven by that year’s president. I have an amazing support cast of officers and trustees who I am fortunate to be working with in 2022 and so far, it has been a busy year.

What do you see for yourself once you get that bittersweet title of past president? I know you will still be involved with AAP, and will likely take a little time to get reacquainted with your family, but anything else on your professional bucket list?

I would be honored to serve as a Director on the American Board of Periodontology. I know that my experience as IMP president will give me knowledge and a perspective that I would love to bring to the American Board.