Dr. Mohssen Ghalichebaf

Dr. Mohssen Ghalichebaf, B.D.S., D.M.D., D.D.S., M.S., age 85, of Greystone, Cheat Lake passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025, with his beloved wife, Karen, by his side.

Born on July 4, 1940, in Iran to the late Mahmoud and Ismat Ghalichebaf of Tabriz, Iran, at an early age, Mohssen developed a quenchless yearning to learn which led to his extensive educational pursuits in three countries. Journeying to Turkey, he earned a Bachelor of Dental Science (B.D.S.) and Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) from the University of Istanbul before traveling to England where he graduated from the Royal Dental Hospital of London. Endeavoring to become an exceptional dentist, Mohssen voyaged across the Atlantic to earn his Master of Science (M.S.) of Prosthodontics from the University of Rochester, Eastman Dental Center, Rochester, NY, and Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) and Maxillofacial Prosthetics from Indiana University in Indianapolis, Indiana. In 1989, Mohssen’s global journey culminated in Morgantown, West Virginia where he joined the WVU School of Dentistry faculty and subsequently met the love of his life, Karen Sue Lerch.

During his tenure as Professor of Restorative Dentistry, Dr. Ghalichebaf served as Director of Prosthodontics and Director of the Maxillofacial Prosthetic Clinic. Revered by dental students and fondly known as “Dr. Moe,” he was a consummate student advocate who loved teaching and advising.

Dr. Ghalichebaf was a trusted confidant and source of wise counsel. He often shared his vast life experiences to inspire, encourage, and illustrate the importance of living with virtue and overcoming challenges with persistence. For his unswerving commitment to student advancement and success, Dr. Ghalichebaf received the School of Dentistry Team Leader Award, the School of Dentistry Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award, and twice designated the School’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year. His national and international honors include fellowships in the American College of Dentists, American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics, and the American College of Forensic Dentistry.

Dr. Ghalichebaf’s leadership and clinical expertise brought life-changing oral health care to patients in need of prosthodontic treatment. He discovered special purpose and fulfillment in serving children in West Virginia and the surrounding region afflicted with cleft lip and cleft palate. Collaborating with medical colleagues in the WVU Department of Otolaryngology to facilitate transformative health care was his crown jewel.

A highly respected clinician and educator, Dr. Ghalichebaf also held leadership positions, including president of the Monongalia County Dental Society and vice president of the West Virginia Section of the American Association of Dental Research.

Besides his immense professional achievements, Dr. Ghalichebaf was well known as a humble, compassionate, courageous, and helpful person. His relentless dedication to humanistic healthcare and education made an enormous difference in the lives of students and patients.

Dr. Ghalichebaf loved being a US citizen and concurrently celebrating his birthday and the nation’s birthday each July 4th. His gratitude for the opportunities he had since coming to the US was frequently expressed through generosity to benefit others. He and Karen established and endowed the Dr. Mohssen and Mrs. Karen Ghalichebaf Scholarship to annually support a deserving WVU dental student. Their membership in the WVU Foundation Irvin Stewart Society solidifies a legacy of generosity to benefit generations to come.

In 2019, after an illustrious 30-year career at the WVU School of Dentistry, Dr. Ghalichebaf retired Professor Emeritus. His influential imprint on dental education and oral health care endures in the countless dentists that he trained and mentored.

In addition to his parents, Dr. Ghalichebaf was predeceased by his sister, Zahra, and three older brothers, Ali, Husein, and Ahmad. He is survived by his dearly loved wife, Karen, of 28 years.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hastings Funeral Home & Omega Crematory in Morgantown, WV. There will be no public visitation or services.

To honor his endearing commitment to dental education and dental care, please consider a donation to the Dr. Mohssen and Mrs. Karen Ghalichebaf Cleft Lip/Palate Scholarship, West Virginia University School of Dentistry, c/o WVU Foundation, One Waterfront Place, 7th Floor, Morgantown, WV 26507-1650.

Online condolences may be made at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.