Reception honors Fonteles as new pediatric dentistry chair

Professor Cristiane S. Fonteles, DDS, MS, PhD, descends a staircase after speaking to attendees at a reception honoring her as the chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry. Photo by Kyle Rogers.

Pediatric dentistry residents stand with Cristiane S. Fonteles, DDS, MS, PhD, chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry. Photo by Kyle Rogers.

UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry leadership, pediatric dentistry faculty, residents, alumni, and friends gathered April 23 for an evening reception honoring Professor Cristiane S. Fonteles, DDS, MS, PhD, following her appointment as chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry.

Hosted at the home of Arthur H. Jeske, DMD, PhD, professor and associate dean for strategic planning and continuing dental education, and his wife, Rebecca, the event brought together colleagues from across the school to celebrate Fonteles during an evening of fellowship and connection.

Jeske opened the evening by reflecting on longstanding professional ties and personal connections that led to the gathering.

“Her father and I were research collaborators,” Jeske said. “She is like family to us in so many ways, not only in the scientific and educational way, but in her graciousness.”

Gregory W. Olson, DDS, MSc, professor and associate dean for technology services and informatics, recalled first being introduced to Fonteles through Jeske during the recruitment process and emphasized her impact on the department during his tenure as chair of pediatric dentistry.

“It was one of those moments where you quickly realize you’re speaking with exceptional talent,” Olson said. “We were fortunate to bring her here, and even more fortunate that she agreed to take on the role of leading the department.”

Fonteles, whose appointment was announced in January and effective Feb. 1, thanked colleagues, residents, and leadership for their support and welcomed the opportunity to continue working within the dental school community.

“I want to say a very warm thank you to UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry,” Fonteles said. “It has been such a wonderful experience, and I hope it continues for many years. I am grateful for our residents, faculty, and leadership for all the support we have received.”

Dean John A. Valenza, DDS ’81, acknowledged the search process that preceded her appointment and the department’s transition under interim leadership.

“We went through two searches to get Dr. Fonteles here,” Valenza said. “I was delighted she decided to apply in the second national search, and I am very pleased with where we are today.”

The program also featured remarks from alumna Hillary Strassner, DDS ’20, MPH, MSD ’22, who highlighted the strength of the pediatric dentistry community and the importance of alumni engagement.

“The community is such a huge part of this program, and it’s something that makes this program so exceptional,” Strassner said. “We hope alumni continue to support the residents and walk alongside Dr. Fonteles moving forward.”

The evening concluded with informal conversation among attendees, underscoring the collaborative spirit of the School of Dentistry and the Department of Pediatric Dentistry.