Zhang Awarded American Academy of Periodontology Educator Scholarship

Dr. Shaoping Zhang, a third-year periodontology resident, received one of two American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) Educator Scholarships at the recent AAP annual meeting. The scholarship, which carries a $25,000 cash award, recognizes outstanding residents who plan to become dental educators following their graduation.

“It is a great honor for me to receive this prestigious scholarship from the AAP foundation,” said Zhang. “The scholarship has encouraged me to pursue an academic career in periodontology and enables me to focus my efforts on contributing to our dynamic field of specialty.”

Prior to his acceptance in the UNC School of Dentistry periodontology program, Zhang earned his Ph.D. in oral biology at UNC under the mentorship by Dr. Steven Offenbacher.

“Dr. Zhang should be very proud of this recognition,” said Dr. Antonio Moretti, graduate periodontology program director. “We’re very pleased he’s been honored with this very competitive award and are grateful that he wants to serve the profession of dentistry through teaching.”