Kara Dunegan Gilliam, DDS, MS

Kara Dunegan Gilliam, DDS, MS currently practices as a private practice clinician in Richmond, Virginia. Dr. Dunegan was born and raised in Manassas, VA. She attended the University of Virginia and then obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from VCU School of Dentistry, where she graduated at the top of her class with Summa Cum Laude honors. After dental school, Dr. Dunegan completed a residency in periodontics, dental implant surgery, and IV conscious sedation at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She received her Master of Science degree for her clinical research project investigating videoscope technology utilization during minimally invasive periodontal surgery.

Dr. Dunegan is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. Dr. Dunegan maintains a private practice limited to periodontal and dental implant surgery with Drs. Richardson, Overstreet, and White. Her surgical interests include implant dentistry, bone and soft tissue regeneration, and treatment of periodontal disease. She maintains active membership in the American Dental Association, Virginia Dental Association, Richmond Dental Society, American Academy of Periodontology, Southern Academy of Periodontology, and Virginia Society of Periodontics.

Outside of work, Dr. Dunegan and her husband enjoy spending time with their family, friends, and two dogs, Mitzi and Becky. She enjoys exploring the outdoors, discovering local coffee shops and new restaurants, traveling, and baking sourdough. Dr. Dunegan is an active member at Third Church and loves getting involved her in her community.

State Licensure / Activities:

  • 2023 ̶ Present ̶ M.S. / Certificate in Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery, UTHSCSA
  • 2023 ̶ Present ̶ IV and Oral Conscious / Moderate Sedation Certification
  • 2020 ̶ Present ̶ Licensed by Virginia State Board of Dentistry
  • 2020 ̶ Present ̶ Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
  • 2016 ̶ Present ̶ Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers (BLS)

Education:

  • 2020 ̶ 2023 ̶ M.S. / Certificate ̶ Periodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA)
  • 2016 ̶ 2020 ̶ D.D.S., Virginia Commonwealth University
  • 2012 ̶ 2016 ̶ Bachelor of Arts in Biology, University of Virginia

Employment:

  • 2023 ̶ Present ̶ Richardson, Overstreet, Glazier, & White Ltd.

Accomplishments/Honors:

  • 2024 – Board Certification – American Board of Periodontology
  • 2023 ̶ Balint Orban Research Competition Finalist
  • 2020 ̶ Omicron Kappa Upsilon: Kappa Chapter Dental Honor Society
  • 2020 ̶ Alpha Omega Award for highest scholastic average
  • 2020 ̶ Harry Lyons Merit Scholarship Award for graduating student with highest GPA
  • 2020 ̶ Mission of Mercy Award of Excellence
  • 2020 ̶ Pierre Fauchard Senior Student Award
  • 2020 ̶ American Academy of Periodontology Award
  • 2019 ̶ 2020 ̶ Senior Selective in Prosthodontics
  • 2019 ̶ 2020 ̶ VCU Department of Admissions Student Ambassador
  • 2019 ̶ 2020 ̶ Vice President Periodontal Discussion League
  • 2019 ̶ Dr. Herbert Robert and Lottie Schwartz Kolb Memorial Scholarship in Dentistry
  • 2019 ̶ Preston D. Miller Award
  • 2018 ̶ 2019 ̶ ASDA Health and Wellness Committee Chair
  • 2018 ̶ Omicron Kappa Upsilon Kramer Award Nominee
  • 2018 ̶ International College of Dentists – VA Section Award Recipient
  • 2018 ̶ 2020 ̶ Missions of Mercy Project Student Coordinator
  • 2017 ̶ 2020 ̶ Missions of Mercy Project Student Volunteer
  • 2017 ̶ 2019 ̶ Give Kids A Smile Student Volunteer
  • 2017 ̶ 2018 ̶ Editor of the Nutritional Nugget Newsletter
  • 2017 ̶ Omicron Kappa Upsilon Preclinical Achievement Award Nominee
  • 2017 ̶ AD Williams Student Research Fellowship grant
  • 2017 ̶ 2020 ̶ Dean’s List, VCU
  • 2017 ̶ 2019 ̶ Merit Scholarship Recipient, VCU
  • 2017 ̶ VCU General Scholarship Fund Recipient

Research / Publications:

  • Dunegan KA, Deas DE, Powell CA, Ruparel NB, Kotsakis GA, Mealey BL. Subgingival scaling and root planing during minimally invasive periodontal surgery: A randomized controlled split-mouth trial. JPeriodontol. 2024;95:9–16.
  • Dunegan K, Neal B, Deas D. Sinus septa increase the risk of membrane perforation during lateral window sinus augmentation. Critically Appraised Topics, UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry. November 25, 2020.
  • Neal B, Dunegan K, Taft R. Denture fabrication method alters candida albicans adherence. Critically Appraised Topics, UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry. November 20, 2020.
  • 2020 ̶ 2023 ̶ Clinical evaluation of videoscope technology utilized in subgingival scaling and root planing during minimally invasive periodontal surgery. Mentors: Drs. David Deas, Charles Powell, Nikita Ruparel, Brian Mealey. Principal Investigator: Dr. Kara A. Dunegan
  • 2017 ̶ 2019 ̶ Clinical evaluation of water absorption and hardness properties of 3D printed orthodontic retainers. Mentor: Dr. Eser Tufekci. Principal Investigator: Dr. Kara A. Dunegan

Presentations / Lectures:

  • 2023 ̶ San Antonio ITI Study Club Residents Symposium Case Presentation
  • 2023 ̶ Dental Hygiene Lecture UTHSCSA ̶ Periodontal Inflammation
  • 2022 ̶ Grand Rounds UTHSCSA ̶ Mucogingival Considerations
  • 2020, 2021, 2022 ̶ Interdisciplinary Seminar Presenter ̶ Case Presentation

Professional Organizations:

  • American Academy of Periodontology
  • Southern Academy of Periodontology
  • Virginia Society of Periodontists
  • American Dental Association
  • Virginia Dental Association
  • Richmond Dental Society
  • Richmond Association of Women Dentists
  • Richmond Interdisciplinary Study Club
  • North East Richmond Dental Study Club

Extracurricular Activities:

  • Member at Third Church
  • Health, wellness, and physical fitness
  • Horseback riding: recognized national competitor in show jumping for 16 years
  • Sourdough aficionado