Karen R. McPherson, D.M.D., FACD, FICD, FPFA, is a Charleston-native who graduated with her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in 1997. After graduation, Dr. McPherson spent four years on active duty as a dental officer in the United States Navy (USN), where she completed a residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry.
Upon completion of her commitment to the USN, Dr. McPherson entered private practice and spent the next 10 years working in a variety of practice settings in California, North Carolina, and Virginia. After her husband retired from the United States Marine Corps, her family returned to Charleston where she joined the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine in 2011 as full-time faculty.
Dr. McPherson is currently an associate professor and the assistant dean for Clinical Affairs. She divides her time between her assistant dean responsibilities and her didactic and clinical responsibilities associated with her position in the Department of Reconstructive and Rehabilitation Sciences. She also serves on numerous committees within the college, as well as at the university level. She is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists (FACD), the International College of Dentists (FICD), and the Pierre Fauchard Academy (FPFA), as well as an active member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentists, American Dental Education Association, and Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society. Additionally, she has co-authored multiple publications.
When not working, Dr. McPherson enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her two Samoyeds.