Dr. Alton McWhorter ’89, professor and head of pediatric dentistry at the School of Dentistry, has always planned the school’s alumni reception at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Conference. However, during last spring’s reception, he was in for a surprise when colleagues, former residents and friends announced they had created an endowment in his name to provide care for pediatric and special needs patients who cannot afford proper dental care.
The gift honors his 36 years of service and leadership to the School of Dentistry. “Alton wholeheartedly embodies the idea that Aggies take care of each other and other people,” said Dr. Bob Morgan ’75 ’78, adjunct assistant professor and McWhorter’s colleague at Children's Health.
The surprise endowment honors Dr. Alton McWhorter's leadership and will help cover costs for pediatric and special needs patients who cannot afford proper dental care.
During his tenure, McWhorter has helped ensure the next generation of Aggie pediatric dentists receives excellent training. The endowment will continue his legacy by funding more training opportunities for residents and covering care costs for families who don’t have the resources to pay for their children’s dental needs.
Morgan and Dr. Carolyn Kerins ’02, associate professor, led the endowment’s creation, which reached $250,000 in value in less than 20 phone calls. “It’s such an unbelievable honor,” said McWhorter, who enjoyed seeing many of his former residents at the surprise announcement. “I was so happy to reconnect with them again and see them successful as pediatric dentists trained in our program.”
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