DDS, MS
Kara Dunegan Gilliam
Periodontist
Biography
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. Her surgical interests include implant dentistry, bone and soft tissue regeneration, and treatment of periodontal disease.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Biology (2012–2016) — University of Virginia
Doctor of Dental Surgery, Summa Cum Laude (2016–2020) — VCU School of Dentistry
MS/Certificate in Periodontics (2020–2023) — UT Health San Antonio
Licenses & Certifications
- 2023–Present: MS/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)
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 (highest GPA)
- 2020: Mission of Mercy Award of Excellence
- 2020: Pierre Fauchard Senior Student Award
- 2020: American Academy of Periodontology Award
- 2017–2020: Dean's List, VCU
Research & Publications
- Dunegan KA, et al. Subgingival scaling and root planing during minimally invasive periodontal surgery: A randomized controlled split-mouth trial. J Periodontol. 2024;95:9–16.
- Clinical evaluation of videoscope technology in subgingival scaling and root planing during minimally invasive periodontal surgery (2020–2023)
- Clinical evaluation of water absorption and hardness properties of 3D printed orthodontic retainers (2017–2019)
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
Personal
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 in her community.
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