Distinguished OHSU dentistry alumni are celebrated

Scott Dyer, Susan Rustvold, Bryan Guthrie and Amberena Fairlee are the 2026 recipients of the OHSU Alumni Awards

“The difference between the OHSU School of Dentistry and other schools is our alumni and their contributions,” said Ron Sakaguchi, D.D.S., Ph.D., M.B.A., School of Dentistry dean, during an annual OHSU School of Dentistry Alumni Awards ceremony.

On a sunny spring evening Thursday, April 9, in downtown Portland, four people were recognized for changing lives through their teaching, advocacy and a commitment to advancing oral care and uplifting the dental community.

This year’s alumni award recipients are Scott Dyer, D.M.D. ’00, M.S., Ph.D., Susan Rustvold, D.M.D. ’85, Ed.D., Bryan Guthrie, D.M.D. ’83 and Amberena Fairlee, D.M.D. ’17.

President’s Award

Trusted mentor, thoughtful guidance and deep investment in student success were a few of the phrases Carly Petersen, D.M.D. ’19, used to describe Bryan Guthrie. Petersen serves as the School of Dentistry’s Alumni Council president.

Guthrie regularly communicates with former students who send photos of their accomplishments proudly explaining procedures Guthrie taught them.

“Giving back is automatic for me,” Guthrie said while accepting the award. “Students are smart, inspiring and have high energy levels that drive me.”

The President’s Award recognizes individuals who make significant contributions to the dental profession and their career.

Early Career Achievement Award

“I feel like I haven’t been out of school long enough to get an award,” Amberena Fairlee said, drawing amusement from the 50-person audience at the Regency Club at the Hyatt Regency Portland Hotel.

The Early Career Achievement Award honors a dentist who demonstrates significant potential as a future leader based on contributions to the profession or community.

Fairlee owns a private practice in Bend, is president of the Oregon Dental Association and actively participates in the OHSU Central Oregon Alumni Chapter.

“OHSU has always been important to my heart,” she said.

John C. Petersen Award

Humanitarian dentistry is Susan Rustvold’s passion. She has traveled widely, including visits to Indonesia, Haiti, Uganda, Italy and China, teaching oral health practices and providing essential care to people who otherwise lack access.

“I learn how to say, ‘Where does it hurt?’ (in the language of the region),” Rustvold said. Patients come to trust her.

Rustvold’s dedication to patient-centered care also includes leading an oral health literacy initiative for women incarcerated in Oregon’s correctional system.

She received the John C. Peterson Distinguished Alumni Award for practicing humanitarian dentistry and for national and international volunteer service.

Agent of Change Award

“I’m lucky to be in a field of creation,” Scott Dyer said. “The whole point is change.”

He cited Ovid’s ancient poem “Metamorphoses” that centers on transformation.

Dyer combines his expertise in restoring damaged teeth with research in dental materials to explore new approaches to the field.

The Agent of Change award recognizes mold-breakers, those who pursue innovative paths that open the dental profession to new ways of thinking.

Newest scholarship recipients

Each year, the OHSU Alumni Association provides scholarships to current dental students. At the awards event, eight fourth-year students were recognized for receiving a total of $30,000. The individuals actively lead their class while also making a difference in their communities.

The recipients are Hussein Amiri, Avery Esau, Ryan Knapp, Molly McCoy, Jonathan Nguyen, Sehoon Park, Gregg Smith and Christopher Yoon. The gifts for the Alumni Award for Excellence are made possible by School of Dentistry alumni.

Annual celebration

The annual School of Dentistry Alumni Awards event is sponsored by the OHSU Alumni Association. The reception is part of the festivities during the school’s alumni weekend.

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Story by Rhonda Morin, APR