2016 AWARD RECIPIENTS
PDA RECOGNITION AWARD
Dr . Susan Chialastri has dedicated her life to exceptional service , research and instruction in the science of dentistry . With more than 40 years of experience , she is an esteemed educator who has enthusiastically contributed her knowledge and expertise to mentoring countless students .
SUSAN M . CHIALASTRI ,
DMD , MS
Dr . Chialastri ’ s career in dentistry and higher education started as a Professor for the Department of Dental Radiology at Temple University School of Dentistry in 1979 . She has since then worked as an instructor at several institutions – including the University of Pennsylvania and Harcum College . Since 2004 , she has been the Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Drexel University College of Medicine and is currently Associate Professor of Periodontology and Oral Pathology and Predoctoral Periodontology Clinic Director at Temple ’ s Kornberg School of Dentistry .
In the nomination letter for the 2016 PDA Recognition Award , Dr . Amid Ismail , Dean of Temple ’ s Kornberg School of Dentistry , said , “ Dr . Chialastri ’ s experience and willingness to share her expertise with students enables the transfer of knowledge that sustains important foundational structures of dental education .”
Dr . Chialastri holds a bachelor ’ s degree in education from Temple University ( 1974 ) and earned her DMD from Temple University School of Dentistry in 1987 . Her path of education continued on as she received a post graduate certificate in periodontics at Penn and a master ’ s of science degree in Oral Biology from Temple in 2009 . Starting in 1972 , Dr . Chialastri worked in dental hygiene private practice in Philadelphia for 17 years , followed by 18 years in Periodontics and Oral Implantology private practice in the Philadelphia region .
All the while she has continued to serve organized dentistry , including a term as a member of the Board of Governors of Philadelphia County Dental Society , and has served as the Kornberg School ’ s American Student Dental Association ( ASDA ) chapter faculty adviser since 2009 .
Dr . Chialastri has an impressive history of lectures , courses , and seminars in Periodontal Therapy and Treatment , an area in which she commands a vast in-depth knowledge . She has received countless awards recognizing her contribution to dental education over the years , including numerous faculty awards from Temple , and in 2012 was given the Advocate Award from ASDA .
One might say that these exemplary achievements are second nature to Susan . She comes from a highly-respected dental family . Her dad is Dr . A . J . Chialastri ( recipient of the 2005 PDA Distinguished Service Award ) and her brother is Dr . Gregg Chialastri .
In addition to all of her accomplishments , Dr . Chialastri has still managed to make time to support valuable community services , such as the Give Kids a Smile initiative and fundraising for Living Beyond Breast Cancer .
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PDA is pleased to honor Dr . Chialastri with the 2016 Recognition Award .