2025 Dean’s Excellence Award winners announced

Nine faculty members have been named recipients of the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry Dean’s Excellence Awards for 2025.

Elham Abbassi, DDS; Deborah Franklin, DDS, MA; Khairunisa Hashmani, RDH, EdD; Esther Kuyinu, DDS, MS; Raha Naderi, RDH, MEd; C. Mark Nichols, DDS; Tulsi Patel, RDH, MHA; Erin Potts, DDS; and Michele White, DDS, were honored for outstanding work in the categories of Application, Clinical Service, Integration, Mentoring, Teaching, and Volunteerism.

Dean and Distinguished Teaching Professor John Valenza, DDS, recognized the award recipients in September.

DEAN’S EXCELLENCE AWARD IN THE SCHOLARSHIP OF APPLICATION

“For aiding society and professions in addressing problems”

• Raha Naderi, RDH, MEd, assistant professor, director of community outreach
  Department of Periodontics and Dental Hygiene

Nominators’ Comments: Professor Naderi was praised for her transformative leadership in community outreach, notably through the Mobile Dental Van Program and initiatives such as Give Kids a Smile, Give Vets a Smile, and Give Seniors a Smile. Her ability to align institutional goals with community needs has resulted in more than $1 million in external funding, expanding access to care and enriching student service-learning. She has also fostered interprofessional collaborations and mentored award-winning student research, exemplifying the integration of scholarship with real-world impact.

DEAN’S EXCELLENCE AWARD IN CLINICAL SERVICE

“In recognition of passion and exemplary dedication to patient care”

• Tulsi Patel, RDH, MHA, associate professor, director of health promotion
  Department of Periodontics and Dental Hygiene

Nominators’ Comments: Professor Patel was recognized for pioneering the Center for Health Promotion, a groundbreaking interdisciplinary model of oral health care. Her work integrates behavioral health, chronic disease prevention, and genetic counseling into dental care. She has helped redesign clinical education, developed foundational teaching tools, and secured significant funding to support the center’s mission. Her leadership has helped redefine patient care and student training, emphasizing whole-person wellness and collaborative practice.

DEAN’S EXCELLENCE AWARD IN THE SCHOLARSHIP OF INTEGRATION

“For interpreting the use of knowledge across disciplines”

• Erin Potts, DDS, associate professor, director of special patient clinic
  Department of General Practice and Dental Public Health

Nominators’ Comments: Dr. Potts was commended for her interdisciplinary scholarship and compassionate care for vulnerable populations. As director of the Special Patient Clinic, she has led collaborative projects addressing dementia and intellectual and developmental disabilities, including widely viewed continuing education articles and national presentations. Her work with organizations such as the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry and the Institute on Aging demonstrates her commitment to integrating clinical practice, education, and public health to improve outcomes for special needs patients.

DEAN’S EXCELLENCE AWARD IN MENTORING

“For demonstrating commitment to, and effectiveness in, faculty mentoring”

• Deborah Franklin, DDS, MA, professor
  Department of General Practice and Dental Public Health

Nominators’ Comments: Dr. Franklin was celebrated for her unwavering support and guidance as a mentor. She has helped colleagues navigate course direction, grading systems, and promotion processes, modeling professionalism and excellence. Her mentees credit her with advancing their teaching abilities and career development, describing her as a generous, proactive, and inspirational role model who consistently elevates faculty and student success.

DEAN’S EXCELLENCE AWARD IN THE SCHOLARSHIP OF TEACHING

“For studying teaching models and practices to achieve optimal learning”

• Elham Abbassi, DDS, assistant professor
  Department of General Practice and Dental Public Health
• Khairunisa Hashmani, RDH, EdD, associate professor
  Department of Periodontics and Dental Hygiene
• Esther Kuyinu, DDS, MS, associate professor
  Department of Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics
• Michele White, DDS, associate professor
  Department of General Practice and Dental Public Health

Nominators’ Comments:

• Abbassi was honored for her leadership in dental sleep medicine and her role as a group practice director. She developed innovative workflows and elective courses, contributed to national committees, and conducted research on 3D-printed oral appliances. Her dedication to integrating sleep medicine into dental education has enhanced the School of Dentistry’s national reputation and exemplifies the connection between oral and overall health.
• Hashmani was recognized for her evidence-based teaching and global impact. She developed immersive graduate-level courses, mentored faculty and students, and contributed to curriculum development in Pakistan. Her work in Dental Hygiene Licensure Objective Structured Clinical Exam assessments and instructional innovation has influenced dental hygiene education worldwide. Students and colleagues praised her clarity, compassion, and commitment to fostering professional growth.
• Kuyinu was lauded for her mentorship through Special Olympics Texas and her innovations in prosthodontic education. She implemented structured appointment checklists and led faculty calibration efforts. Her international teaching and dedication to student-centered learning have made her a respected educator who balances clinical excellence with compassionate instruction.
• White was commended for her curriculum leadership and national contributions to dental education. She directed foundational courses, presented research on critical thinking, and mentored students in scholarly activities. Her roles in professional organizations and editorial work underscore her influence in advancing teaching excellence and faculty development.

DEAN’S EXCELLENCE AWARD IN VOLUNTEERISM

“For a faculty member who has consistently volunteered his/her time in supporting and sustaining the mission of the School of Dentistry”

• C. Mark Nichols, DDS, adjunct assistant professor
  Department of General Practice and Dental Public Health

Nominators’ Comments: Dr. Nichols was celebrated for nearly four decades of volunteer service, especially his work with patients living with HIV/AIDS at the Bering Dental Clinic. He has educated students, contributed to clinical research, and volunteered thousands of hours on ethics committees. His compassionate care and public service legacy have earned him national recognition and deep respect within the School of Dentistry community.