Take a look at the milestones that have shaped our school's growth, innovation, and impact over the years.
Timeline
| Date/Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Feb. 11, 1905 | Founded as the first dental school in Texas; then named Texas Dental College. |
| 1927 | More than a high school education became required to enter the Texas Dental College. |
| 1932 | Frederick C. Elliott, DDS, whose vision birthed the Texas Medical Center (the largest medical center in the world), became dean of the School of Dentistry. |
| 1941 | The school established departments. (Prior to this, faculty members wore a variety of hats in different educational areas.) |
| Aug. 31, 1943 | By legislative act, the School of Dentistry was incorporated into The University of Texas System. (The school was renamed The University of Texas School of Dentistry.) |
| 1945 | The UT Board of Regents authorized the creation of the School of Dental Hygiene as part of the School of Dentistry. |
| 1958 | The school is renamed The University of Texas Dental Branch. |
| 1972 | The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) is established. |
| 1998 | The White Coat Ceremony, a tradition commonly seen at medical schools, is introduced at the dental school. The ceremonial event symbolizes students' entrance into their new profession. |
| 2005 | The School of Dentistry celebrates its centennial. |
| April 2012 | The Denton A. Cooley, MD and Ralph C. Cooley, DDS University Life Center is dedicated. The 14,000-square-foot conference center is a first for UTHealth Houston. |
| Summer 2012 | The School of Dentistry opens for business after moving into its new building at 7500 Cambridge St. on May 21, 2012. The building was officially dedicated on June 8, 2012. |
School of Dentistry Deans
| Dean | Admin. Period |
|---|---|
| John Valenza, DDS | 2011-present |
The University of Texas Dental Branch Deans
(name changed to School of Dentistry)
| Dean | Admin. Period |
|---|---|
| John Valenza, DDS, Interim Dean | 2009-11 |
| Catherine Flaitz, DDS, MS | 2004-09 |
| Catherine Flaitz, DDS, MS, Interim Dean | 2002-04 |
| Ronald Johnson, DDS | 1996-2002 |
| Raul C. Caffesse, DDS, MS, Dean Pro Tem | 1992-96 |
| Don Allen, DDS, MS | 1982-92 |
| John Victor Olson, DDS, MS | 1974-82 |
| Benjamin C. McKinney, DDS, JD, Acting Dean | 1972-74 |
| John Victor Olson, DDS, MS | 1955-72 |
The University of Texas School of Dentistry Deans
(name changed to Dental Branch)
| Dean | Admin. Period |
|---|---|
| John Victor Olson, DDS, MS | 1952-55 |
| Frederick C. Elliott, DDS | 1943-52 |
Texas Dental College Deans
(name changed to School of Dentistry)
| Dean | Admin. Period |
|---|---|
| Frederick C. Elliott, DDS | 1932-43 |
| Joseph P. Arnold, DDS | 1930-32 |
| Olympio F. Gambati, DDS | 1905-30 |