Tobacco cessation advocate and professor retiring from dental school

Dr. Susan K. Morgan, professor at the West Virginia University School of Dentistry, became part of the dental school family more than five decades ago when she entered the dental hygiene program as a student. She earned her undergraduate degree in 1977. She went on to receive a community health education degree in 1982 and earned her DDS in 1988. She grew up with family members who chose to be Mountaineers and she recalls them speaking fondly and proudly of coming to WVU. That, and her interest in science and healthcare, helped Dr. Morgan develop her path to the future. While working through the Department of Periodontics, Dr. Morgan launched the first tobacco cessation program of its kind, at the time, to be implemented at a dental school. Having received her tobacco cessation certification at Mayo Clinic, in 2010 Dr. Morgan developed the Certified Tobacco Treatment Program at WVU that teaches healthcare providers across backgrounds to work together using evidence-based strategies to help patients become tobacco free. As a member of the West Virginia Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Task Force, she is active in efforts to support funding to help reduce the use of tobacco in the state. In 2019, Dr. Morgan received the Vice President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Teaching for her contributions to the mission of the University and School of Dentistry.

Q: Do you have words of encouragement or advice to share with students, faculty, staff or residents?

Dr. Morgan: Find your passion and work becomes fun. Along the way, you will meet so many fantastic individuals that will enrich your life.

Q: What do you wish for the school going forward?

Dr. Morgan: Absolute success. The School of Dentistry is so vitally important for this state!