Summary: WVU alumni raised over $900,000 to name the orthodontic clinic after Peter Ngan, DMD, who has led the program for 30 years. The clinic renovation is part of a larger effort to modernize WVU School of Dentistry facilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Alumni and friends contributed to honoring Dr. Peter Ngan by raising funds to name the orthodontic clinic in his honor, with a goal of $1 million.
  • Ngan has served as an influential leader in the orthodontic community for decades, shaping the profession and guiding students at WVU.

Since 1994, Peter Ngan, DMD, has guided students through the orthodontics residency program at the West Virginia University School of Dentistry. After 30 years, with the program WVU alumni showed their gratitude for his dedication with gifts totaling more than $900,000 to name the orthodontic clinic in his honor.

Fundraising and Clinic Renovation Efforts

Over 30 alumni and friends contributed to the fundraising effort with the goal of raising $1 million, which supports plans to update and relocate the WVU Dental orthodontic clinic at the WVU Health Sciences Morgantown Campus. The renovation is the latest in a series of upgrades to modernize School of Dentistry facilities for future generations of students and patients.

“Dr Ngan is a nationally and internationally renowned leader in the orthodontic community,” said Stephen Pachuta, DDS, dean of the WVU School of Dentistry. “His impact across the profession has been significant. His research has shaped and defined the practice of orthodontics for generations of orthodontists. As evidenced by the support and commitment of his residents over the last 30 years, Peter is an institution in the profession. He also has the distinction of being the longest-serving orthodontic department chair in the country. We are incredibly fortunate to have him as a leader at our School of Dentistry.”

Alumni Surprise Ngan with Honor

Dozens of alumni surprised Ngan with the announcement during a recent continuing education program sponsored by the Department of Orthodontics.

“I was honored and humbled by the gesture of my students,” said Ngan. “There is no greater gratification one can receive as a teacher than seeing your students be successful in their careers and give back to the University from which they received their education.”

The naming effort emerged from a group chat among WVU orthodontics alumni led by Pranav Patel, DDS, of Aurora, Ill.

Patel first met Ngan as a dental student at The Ohio State University, where Ngan previously worked. Patel said he applied to WVU because he liked Ngan, and he is grateful Ngan accepted him into the highly competitive orthodontics residency program at WVU.

“When I heard they were building a new clinic, I wanted to see if there was a way to create something in Dr Ngan’s legacy,” said Patel. “He’s graduated orthodontists from WVU for 30 years, and he always created a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The aim is to create an environment that brings the most attractive applicants to WVU. A nicer clinic definitely makes a difference when you’re interviewing, as does hearing that residents and alumni are so appreciative they dedicated the clinic to the chair. I felt that positive energy when I came to WVU, and thanks to Dr Ngan, I still feel it.”

Ngan’s Background and Accomplishments

Ngan emigrated to the U.S. from Hong Kong in 1973 and learned English while selling dictionaries door to door. Ngan received his dental degree from the Harvard University School of Dental Medicine and certificates in orthodontics, pediatric dentistry and hospital dentistry from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine/Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Ngan is a fellow of the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He also belongs to many professional organizations. In 2014, Ngan was installed as the inaugural Branson-Maddrell Endowed Professor in Orthodontics at WVU. He is president-elect of the AngleEast Orthodontic Society and honorary faculty at the University of Hong Kong and Wuhan School of Stomatology.

How to Contribute to the Naming Effort

Alumni and supporters interested in contributing to the naming effort can make a gift online to support the School of Dentistry Facilities Fund or contact Karen Coombs, director of development for the School of Dentistry, at [email protected]. All gifts to support the WVU School of Dentistry are made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.