Dr. Madison Smith, a resident in the 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. (WVU Photo/Davidson Chan)
A $1.4 million gift to the West Virginia University School of Dentistry from 1978 graduate Dr. Tom Arkle will strengthen education for future generations of residents enrolled in the post-graduate orthodontics program.
Arkle’s gift fulfills a $2 million pledge that establishes the first named chair position at the WVU School of Dentistry. For years to come, residents will be led by the Dr. Thomas Arkle III Chair of Orthodontics.
“We are so very appreciative of the incredibly generous support that Dr. Arkle provides to our School of Dentistry,” Dr. Stephen Pachuta, dean, said. “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.”
Dr. Peter Ngan, who has led the Department of Orthodontics for more than 30 years, will serve as the inaugural Dr. Thomas Arkle III Chair of Orthodontics.
After identifying some of the greatest financial challenges in oral health education, Arkle determined a donation to support leadership recruitment would be most impactful.
“Today it’s very difficult to attract someone to higher education,” Arkle said. “You can look nationwide, the number of unfilled positions in dental education is staggering.”
Dental schools across the country struggle to compete with lucrative salaries outside of higher education. The difference in pay between private practice specialists and post-graduate 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,” Arkle said.
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, Arkle has provided consistent support to West Virginia’s only dental school both financially and through service.
“My parents didn’t have that much,” Arkle said. “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,” Arkle said.
The former owner of Arkle & Harris Orthodontics spent 32 years practicing orthodontics in North Carolina before retiring in 2015. He is a member of the WVU School of Dentistry Pylons Alliance Loyalty Society and previously served on the WVU Foundation Board of Directors.
“I get more out of giving than the recipient gets,” Arkle said. “I’m hoping this gift influences other people to step up and support, copy, mimic or even outdo what I’ve done.”
Arkle and his wife, Dr. Stephanie Chen, a pediatric dentist, live in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Arkle’s gift was made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.