Inaugural Alumni Dental Prom raises funds for student scholarships

UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry successfully held the inaugural Alumni Dental Prom in the spring. The event saw attendees gather to share memories, connect with colleagues, and raise $7,000 towards student scholarships.

Held at Nouveau Antique Art Bar on April 5, the first-of-its-kind prom featured live music, silent auction items, and a lavish atmosphere to host the fellowship of School of Dentistry graduates. The silent auction gave alumni the chance to bid on items ranging from a mini photo shoot to Houston Astros tickets.

“This inaugural Alumni Dental Prom not only allowed graduates the opportunity to come back together and relive some of their fondest memories from dental school, but it gave UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry the ability to start a scholarship fund that will provide students with larger financial assistance towards their dental education,” said Sarah Flores-Lewis, student and alumni relations coordinator and organizer of the event.

“We’re eager to grow this event, the donations for students, and all the fun that everyone can have coming back together year after year.”

Alumni traveled from all across the state with their guests to attend the prom, with some even having the chance to attend with their children as current School of Dentistry students.

Graduates young and old in attendance had the opportunity to share some of their most cherished memories from school and reminisced on their educational experience.

Several alumni members shared specific pearls of wisdom that have become instrumental in their clinical experience as professionals.

One attendee enjoyed the opportunity to make new friends, in addition to seeing members of their graduating class.

Another alum noted the silent auction and hopes to see it grow each year with more donations, ultimately helping to grow student scholarship funds.

At the end of the evening, it was announced that attendees collectively surpassed the scholarship fundraising goal of $5,000. Funds raised from the prom will be awarded to current students throughout the upcoming academic year.

The Second Annual Alumni Dental Prom is set to take place on April 11, 2025, and will return to Nouveau Antique Art Bar.

Additional upcoming alumni events include:

• Alumni & Friends Gameday | Friday, July 27
• Generations Weekend | Friday, Sept. 27, and Saturday, Sept. 28
• SmileCon Alumni & Friends Luncheon | Friday, Oct. 18
• SmileCon Tailgate Party | Saturday, Oct. 19

Donations to UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry can be made at Go.uth.edu/SODDonation.