NC West Virginia News

Dr. Peter Ngan, a longtime figure at the West Virginia University (WVU) School of Dentistry, is being honored by alumni who have raised nearly $1 million to name the orthodontic clinic after him. Dr. Ngan has been leading the orthodontics residency program since 1994 and has played a significant role in shaping many careers.

The fundraising initiative, involving over 30 alumni and friends, aims to support plans for updating and relocating the WVU Dental orthodontic clinic on the WVU Health Sciences Morgantown Campus. The move is part of ongoing efforts to modernize facilities at the School of Dentistry.

“Dr. Ngan is a nationally and internationally renowned leader in the orthodontic community,” stated Dr. Stephen Pachuta, dean of the WVU School of Dentistry. “His impact across the profession has been significant... We are incredibly fortunate to have him as a leader at our School of Dentistry.”

The announcement was made during a continuing education program organized by the Department of Orthodontics, surprising Dr. Ngan with this tribute from his former students.

“I was honored and humbled by the gesture of my students,” expressed Ngan. “There is no greater gratification one can receive as a teacher than seeing your students be successful in their careers and give back to the University from which they received their education.”

The naming effort was initiated by Dr. Pranav Patel from Aurora, Illinois, who met Ngan while studying dentistry at The Ohio State University before joining WVU's competitive orthodontics residency program under his guidance.

“When I heard they were building a new clinic, I wanted to see if there was a way to create something in Dr. Ngan’s legacy,” said Patel.

Patel contributed $100,000 himself towards this cause, while Dr. Larry Kalaskey from Charleston helped rally additional support from other alumni.

“All these years in education, Dr. Ngan could have made a lot more money in private practice... We admire him dearly,” remarked Kalaskey.

Dr. James Caveney from Wheeling also highlighted Ngan’s contributions: “He’s so good, and he’s so fair... His enthusiasm is number one.”

Ngan emigrated from Hong Kong in 1973 and holds degrees from prestigious institutions like Harvard University School of Dental Medicine and certificates from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine/Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Alumni wishing to contribute further can donate online or contact Karen Coombs for more information on supporting this initiative through gifts managed by the WVU Foundation.