Nine faculty inducted into American College of Dentists

By Kyle Rogers October 26, 2026

A group in graduation regalia gathers for a photo outdoors beneath a clear blue sky. Rows of palm trees and a waterfront setting form the backdrop.

UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry faculty inducted into the American College of Dentists pose with Dean Emeritus John Valenza, DDS, during the organization’s 105th Convocation in Santa Barbara, California.

Nine faculty members from UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry were inducted as fellows of the American College of Dentists during its 105th Convocation on Oct. 24 in Santa Barbara, California.

The annual ceremony welcomed a new cohort into the organization, which promotes excellence, ethics, professionalism, and leadership in oral healthcare.

The inductees were Gina Bonaventura, DDS, MS; Cleverick “C.D.” Johnson, DDS, MS; Anita Joy-Thomas, BDS, PhD; Katie Julien, DDS, MS; Timothy Kirkpatrick, DDS; Shalizeh “Shelly” Patel, DDS, MEd; Nathanael Salako, BDS, MSc; Karen Wuertz, DDS; and Simon Young, DDS, MD, PhD.

Joe Ontiveros, DDS, MS, was also selected for fellowship but deferred his induction until next year’s convocation.

John Valenza, DDS, dean emeritus of the School of Dentistry, served as primary sponsor for six inductees and secondary sponsor for Patel. Karen Novak, DDS, MS, PhD, served as secondary sponsor for Valenza’s nominees. Professor Ryan Quock, DDS, served as Patel’s primary sponsor. Bonaventura and Wuertz were nominated by sponsors from outside the school.

“Fellowship in the American College of Dentists is a significant professional distinction that recognizes dentists’ achievements, leadership, and service to the profession and society,” Valenza said. “The induction of nine faculty members is a meaningful accomplishment for our school and celebrates their commitment to advancing dentistry.”

Sponsors joined the incoming fellows in the ceremony’s processional and were seated together during the event. They also stood as their nominees were called to the stage.

Founded in 1920, the ACD is the oldest major honorary organization for dentists in the United States. Fellowship is awarded through a confidential peer-review process that evaluates candidates’ professional and community leadership, contributions to dentistry, and commitment to ethical conduct. Fellows represent a range of contributions to organized dentistry, oral healthcare, dental research, dental education, and public service.