We are saddened to announce the passing of Dr. John Ward. He was a beloved part of our Midlothian location and will be missed by many.
Dr. Ward received a B.A. degree in chemistry from Hanover College, Hanover, Indiana in 1962 and a D.D.S. degree from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1966. He practiced general dentistry for two years in the Navy Dental Corps and for two years in private practice in Indianapolis, Indiana. From July 1970 to July 1973, Dr. Ward completed a prosthodontic specialty training program at Indiana University Dental School and practiced general dentistry part-time in Indianapolis. He received an M.S.D. degree in prosthodontics from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1978.
In August of 1973, Dr. Ward joined the faculty of Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry where he taught removable prosthodontics full-time and maintained a part-time private practice limited to removable prosthodontics in the VCU Dental Faculty Practice for 30 years. He was responsible for developing the removable partial denture curriculum and contributed to the development of the complete denture curriculum. He taught complete dentures, removable partial dentures, and prosthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning in the classroom and clinic to undergraduate and graduate students and dentists taking continuing education courses. As a faculty member, he conducted research in dental materials, authored articles published in prosthodontic journals, contributed a chapter to a complete denture textbook, and wrote the complete denture and removable partial denture clinic manuals used in the VCU School of Dentistry clinics. He served on various committees within the School and University as well as local and national prosthodontic organizations. He has presented lectures and continuing education courses at the local, state, and national levels.
Dr. Ward was certified by the American Board of Prosthodontics in 1976 and re-certified in 1998. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Prosthodontics, a Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists, and a member of the Virginia Section of the American College of Prosthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Virginia Dental Association and the Richmond Dental Society.
Dr. Ward retired from VCU School of Dentistry in July 2003, and joined Virginia Family Dentistry, where one of his sons is a general dentist. After his 30 year teaching career, he enjoyed a more leisurely lifestyle while practicing his passion of removable prosthodontics.