Dental Alumni and Friends Anniversary Celebration and Controlled Substance Prescribing Series

Dental Alumni and Friends Anniversary Celebration and Controlled Substance Prescribing Series

Dr. Pia Chatterjee Kirk, dean of the School of Dentistry, Dr. Stephanie Rizzuto Ricks, recipient of the 2026 Early Career Achievement Award, Dr. Stephanie Tullos-Shamburger, 2026 Distinguished Alumna of the Year, and Dr. Sarah Carlisle, president of the dental alumni board, pose for a photo at the 43rd annual Dental Alumni and Friends Luncheon.

As the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry marked a milestone year, alumni and friends gathered April 10 to celebrate both the school's legacy and the people who continue to shape its future.

Kirk

"This celebration is an opportunity to reflect on where we've been and where we're going," said Dr. Pia Chatterjee Kirk, dean of the School of Dentistry.

The 43rd Dental Alumni and Friends Awards celebration, held at the River Hills Club, brought together graduates, faculty and supporters in recognition of the school's 50th anniversary. The event honored two alumni whose careers reflect the school's commitment to service, leadership and excellence in patient care.

Dr. Stephanie Tullos-Shamburger was recognized as the Distinguished Alumna of the Year, and Dr. Stephanie Rizzuto Ricks received the Early Career Achievement Award.

After graduating from the School of Dentistry in 2003, Tullos-Shamburger returned to her home county to establish a private practice. She has remained dedicated to not only serving her local community, but also to training the future generation of Mississippi dentists.

She was among the first dentists selected to participate in the CODE program, an externship initiative that allows fourth-year dental students to get hands-on experience in a private practice. Since 2016, she has mentored around 20 senior dental students.

"I became a CODE instructor because I enjoy teaching and mentoring our future dentists," Tullos-Shamburger said. "Through this program, I have developed relationships with young dentists that I still maintain year after year. Both my parents were teachers so I guess teaching is in my blood.  These students are so bright and talented that they soak up any knowledge or instruction that I give them. I had so many wonderful mentors along my career that I hope I can give back a portion of what was given to me."

Tullos-Shamburger has also advanced dental education through her role as a part-time clinical associate professor at the School of Dentistry. In recognition of her dedication to teaching, she received the Hembree Honor Society Award in 2019 after being voted a D3 Part-Time Clinical All-Star by the third-year dental class. She has also served on the UMMC Dental Admissions Committee since 2019, contributing as both an interviewer and application screener, as well as holding a role on the committee's executive team.

Ricks, this year's Early Career Achievement Award recipient, has distinguished herself not only in clinical practice, but also as an advocate for the profession at the state and national levels.

While a student at the UMMC School of Dentistry, she served as a American Dental Political Action Committee student representative, an early step in what would become a continued commitment to organized dentistry and legislative advocacy.

After graduating in 2017, she married Dr. Kevin Ricks, a family medicine physician, and moved to McComb, where they have both established their own practices.

Ricks currently serves as District 6 Trustee for the Mississippi Dental Association and is a member of the Governmental Affairs Committee. Recently, she attended the American Dental Association's Lobby Day in Washington D.C., reflecting her dedication to leadership and advocacy within the dental profession.

"If we're not involved, decisions are still being made - just without us," Ricks said. "Every field is actively lobbying to shape legislation, and dentistry has to be part of that conversation. Whether it's student loan deferment for residents or fair insurance reimbursement, policy decisions made at the state and national levels directly affect how we care for patients and how new graduates begin their careers."

The anniversary event also highlighted the school's ongoing commitment to education and patient safety this year, including continuing education programming for dentists across the state. This year's Controlled Substance Prescribing Series featured presentations from experts across disciplines, including family medicine, emergency medicine and psychiatry.

Dr. Molly S. Clark, professor in family medicine, Dr. Michael B. Marlin, associate professor in emergency medicine, and Dr. Saurabh B. Bhardwaj, division chief in psychiatry, led sessions focused on responsible prescribing practices and the evolving challenges surrounding controlled substances.

"Providing this level of continuing education ensures that our dental professionals are equipped with the knowledge and resources to deliver safe, effective care," Kirk said. "By bringing together experts from multiple disciplines, we are strengthening not only individual practices, but the standard of care across Mississippi."