Periodontics for the win

Dr. Carlos Parra, clinical assistant professor in periodontics, recently received the Bud and Linda Tarrson Fellowship at the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation’s annual meeting in Chicago.

The $30,000 award, distributed evenly over three years, is given annually to one exceptional dental school faculty member who specializes in periodontology education and research. This is the first year for a Texas A&M College of Dentistry recipient. The Tarrson Fellowship has been awarded since 1998.

“It was such a surprise and honor to receive this award,” says Parra, who is also the assistant graduate program director. “Being recognized by fellow periodontists whom I respect means a lot to me and reinforces my continued commitment to academia and giving back to the periodontal and dental community.”

Parra and his colleagues’ ongoing research projects focus on implants and marginal bone loss, as well as another patient study that assesses the prevalence and extent of bone loss in periodontitis.

E.B. “Bud” Tarrson was CEO and chairman of Chicago-based John O. Butler Co. When he and wife Linda sold the company, they allocated funds to the Tarrson Fellowship, among other philanthropic endeavors. He died in 1999.