It is a spring-like Tuesday and a patient in JSRCC’s dental clinic is helping Dental Assisting Program Head Nancy Daniels tie up her disposable gown. The patient, Charlotte McCutcheon, and her husband Andy, have been longtime patients of the College’s dental clinic and have come to know Daniels well. In fact, they have been longtime friends of the College and were, at one time, close friends with J. Sargeant Reynolds himself. 
The McCutcheons have supported the College in various capacities over the years – Andy is a former Foundation Board member and is a longtime member, and current chair, of one of the College’s scholarship committees. As a younger man, he served as campaign manager for J. Sargeant Reynolds, during Reynolds’ run for Lieutenant Governor in late 1960’s. During Andy’s long career with Reynolds Metals, he even co-authored the book on Sarge entitled “Sarge Reynolds, In the Time of His Life.” Yet, the couple’s commitment to the College goes beyond historical and financial. For the last eight years, the McCutcheons have provided clinical practice for JSRCC’s dental assisting students by serving as patients.
“I like having new doctors and techs each time I come here,” said Charlotte. “Not only do I feel like I’m getting the latest treatments, but I play a part in helping to train these nice young people.”
Reynolds coordinates its dental clinics with the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry and is supervised by Daniels and VCU’s Dr. John Wohlford. There is a nominal cost for services provided through the clinic, but patient participation is key to having a meaningful clinical experience, noted Daniels. Today, dental students discovered the need for a follow-up appointment for Andy.
“The doctors said it’s nothing that needs to be done right away, but I’m sure it is something that someone will need the practice with eventually,” Andy said. He followed up without hesitation, “Go ahead and make the appointment.”
