Thara Pierce

Thara Pierce

Board of Directors, Virginia Dental Association Foundation

Thara Pierce is a third-year dental student at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, where she is pursuing her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. She takes pride in her academic excellence, purposeful leadership, and a deep commitment to community-centered care. Throughout her dental journey, Thara has been deeply involved in service initiatives that extend care beyond the clinic walls, including participation in Mission of Mercy projects as a student coordinator. She currently serves as Co–Vice President of VCU’s Student National Dental Association chapter, where she is dedicated to advancing service, diversity, and mentorship within the dental community.

Born in Haiti, Thara immigrated to the United States before the age of one and has spent most of her life in Virginia. She was raised in Stafford, Virginia, and went on to attend the University of Virginia, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology with a minor in Philosophy in 2023. Her long-term goal is to serve the Virginia communities that helped shape her by providing high-quality, compassionate dental care. She is strongly aligned with the VDAF’s mission to advance dentistry and oral health through education, research, and expanded access to care.

Outside of dental school, Thara enjoys golfing, cooking, and spending quality time with her husband, Russ, and their two dogs.