Retired Orthodontist Makes $1.4M Donation to Support West Virginia University SOD

A $1.4 million gift to the West Virginia University School of Dentistry (WVU SOD) from 1978 graduate Thomas (Tom) Arkle, D.D.S., will strengthen education for future generations of residents enrolled in the postgraduate orthodontics program.

Dr. Arkle’s gift fulfills a $2 million pledge that establishes the first-named chair position at WVU SOD. For years to come, residents will be led by the Dr. Thomas Arkle III Chair of Orthodontics.

Thomas (Tom) Arkle, D.D.S., (right) a 1978 WVU School of Dentistry graduate, and wife, Stephanie Chen, D.D.S., (left) have included the dental school in their philanthropic causes through multiple generous gifts over the years. (Photo credit: Submitted Photo.)

“We are so very appreciative of the incredibly generous support that Dr. Arkle provides to our school of dentistry,” said Stephen Pachuta, D.D.S., WVU SOD Dean. “Tom has been a consistently strong supporter of our school and, in particular, of our orthodontics residency program for many years. His commitment to student success is making a significant positive impact across our profession. In addition to his support of our school, I especially value Tom and Stephanie’s friendship and collegial counsel as we navigate the dual professions of dental education and clinical practice.”

Peter Ngan, D.M.D., who has led the department of orthodontics for more than 30 years, will serve as the inaugural Dr. Thomas Arkle III Chair of Orthodontics.

Madison Smith, D.D.S., a resident in the WVU SOD orthodontics advanced education program, works with a mold to create a patient’s dental aligner using innovative technology. Dr. Tom Arkle’s gift will allow the WVU School of Dentistry to attract and retain leaders in the field to enhance educational and clinical experiences for students and patients. (Photo credit: WVU Photo/Davidson Chan.)

After identifying some of the greatest financial challenges in oral health education, Dr. Arkle determined a donation to support leadership recruitment would be most impactful.

“Today it’s very difficult to attract someone to higher education,” said Dr. Arkle. “You can look nationwide, the number of unfilled positions in dental education is staggering.”

Dental schools across the United States struggle to compete with lucrative salaries outside of higher education. The difference in pay between private practice specialists and postgraduate degree leadership can be significant.

“Working four days a week and taking six weeks off a year in private practice, the difference could be anywhere from four to 10 times what professors typically earn,” said Arkle.

Following dental school, a hospital residency and two years in general practice, the Morgantown native received his specialist degree in orthodontics from the University of Kentucky. Since then, Dr. Arkle has provided consistent support to West Virginia’s only dental school both financially and through service.

“My parents didn’t have that much,” said Dr. Arkle. “But they said you should always give back. I went back to look at my history of giving to the dental school. My very first gift was $25.”

The dental school’s orthodontics program is designed to develop skilled practitioners who can easily transition into and manage a busy orthodontic practice. Donor support can enhance the educational experience students have in the 34-month program.

“I want the department to have the funds to be able to add leadership and professorships, have new equipment, take residents to regional and component meetings and learn from other oral health professionals,” said Dr. Arkle.

The former owner of Arkle & Harris Orthodontics spent 32 years practicing orthodontics in North Carolina and retired in 2015. He is a member of the WVU SOD Pylons Alliance Loyalty Society and previously served on the WVU Foundation Board of Directors. 

“I get more out of giving than the recipient gets,” said Dr. Arkle. “I’m hoping this gift influences other people to step up and support, copy, mimic or even outdo what I’ve done.”

Dr. Arkle and his wife, Stephanie Chen, D.D.S., a pediatric dentist, live in Charlotte, NC.

Dr. Arkle’s gift was made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.

Courtesy of West Virginia University School of Dentistry