Rewind: 2023 Year in Review
Published: January 02, 2024 by Dylan Allen and Kyle Rogers
As we turn the page to 2024, UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry invites you to take time to reflect on some of the highlights from 2023, another success year for the faculty, staff, students, and residents at 7500 Cambridge St.
2023 Annual Celebration of Scholarship recognizes student, resident recipients
UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry student and resident recipients were recognized during the 2023 Annual Celebration of Scholarship on Jan. 26. Scholarships were applied to the 2022-23 academic year.
Dental Class of 2025 welcomed to dental profession with white coat ceremony
UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry welcomed 105 second-year students from the Dental Class of 2025 to the health care profession during the 24th Annual DDS White Coat Ceremony on Jan. 28.
Department of Pediatric Dentistry unveils new clinic
The Department of Pediatric Dentistry unveiled its new clinic on the third floor of the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, blending all pediatric dentistry efforts under one roof, in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 20.
19th Annual Give Kids A Smile serves more than 160 community children
UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry provided free care to 162 uninsured, underserved children from the Houston community during the 19th Annual Give Kids A Smile on Feb. 24.
School of Dentistry hosts College of Diplomates Board Review Course
UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry served as the host for the 13th Annual College of Diplomates Board Review Course and Scientific Update. Held Feb. 3-5, the course aided candidates preparing for the American Board of Endodontics’ certification examinations, as well as diplomates needing recertification credits and all dentists interested in endodontic continuing education credits.
School of Dentistry hosts 19 dental schools for Digital Dentistry Educators Workshop
UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry served as the host of the 2023 Digital Dentistry Educators Workshop across Feb. 6-7. Faculty, laboratory technicians and information technology members across 20 dental schools took part in a series of lectures and interactive discussions about the essential steps for integration of computer-assisted design/computer-assisted manufacturing in the predoctoral dental curriculum.
UT Dentists, HOPE Clinic partner to provide dental care to community
Communities in Southwest Houston have something to smile about: UT Dentists, the clinical practice of UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, is collaborating with HOPE Clinic to bring accessible dental care as an integrated health service line at a brand new Alief clinic location called the HOPE Health and Wellness Center.
2023 Scientific Table Clinic Presentation showcases student, resident findings
Students and residents of UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry shared findings and practiced their presentations on an array of topics at the 2023 Student Scientific Table Clinic on March 31.
Mayor Sylvester Turner’s case study marks surprise School of Dentistry
A case study for UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry students on April 5 turned into a surprise visit by Mayor Sylvester Turner, as he discussed his diagnosis of osteosarcoma, which was discovered when he went to his dentist for a root canal.
DDS Class of 1973 celebrates 50-year reunion
Fifty years. That is the timeframe the DDS Class of 1973 reflected on in mid-April as they celebrated the golden anniversary of their commencement. The class reunion was hosted in collaboration with the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry and the PACE Center as part of the Milestones Alumni Reunion initiative.
Classes of 2023 honored at 118th graduation ceremony
UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry welcomed 183 graduates (101 doctorate of dental surgery, 28 dental hygiene, and 54 advanced education) of the Classes of 2023 to its alumni base during the 118th Commencement Ceremony on May 19.
MSDH Class of 2023: Walking through history
Four trailblazing graduates walked the stage during UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry’s 118th Commencement Ceremony in May, marking the inaugural cohort to complete the Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Program.
Davis recognized with Honorary Alumnus Award from School of Dentistry
T. Bob Davis, DMD, was recognized with the Honorary Alumnus Award for his more than 50 years of teaching, dedication, and service to humanity and the students, residents, faculty, and staff of UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry.
2023 Dean's Excellence Awards winners announced
Five faculty members were named recipients of the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry Dean’s Excellence Awards for 2023 in recognition of their outstanding work in the categories of Application, Integration, Mentoring, Teaching, and Volunteerism.
DH Class of 2025 recognized in white coat ceremony
UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry welcomed 30 students from the Dental Hygiene Class of 2025 to the dental profession during a special white coat ceremony Aug. 11.
Fresh faces at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry
UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry officially welcomed the Doctorate of Dental Surgery Class of 2027 and Dental Hygiene Class of 2025 with the start of the 2023-24 academic year Aug. 14.
Marcano: School of Dentistry’s forever ‘tooth fairy’
You may have heard of the Tooth Fairy. The beloved mythical creature helps children overcome fears of losing baby teeth and replaces a lost tooth with a special gift in recognition of their moment of bravery. However, UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry has its own “tooth fairy” in Everill Marcano, senior dental dispensaries assistant in the Tooth Room.
Alumna Maestas named 2023 Texas New Dentist of the Year
UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry alumna Tanya Sue Maestas, DDS ’18, was named the Texas Academy of General Dentistry’s 2023 Texas New Dentist of the Year.
Celebrating a legacy of impact
“We will not accept, we will not excuse, we will not tolerate discrimination in America.” These 15 words were spoken by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990, on the White House South Lawn before signing into law the Americans with Disabilities Act. In October, UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry and the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry presented the George H.W. Bush Presidential Impact Award to Neil Bush, who accepted on the family’s behalf.
9th Annual Give Vets a Smile provides care to veterans
Sixty-six U.S. military veterans received free urgent, palliative, therapeutic, and/or preventive dental care during the 9th Annual Give Vets a Smile held Nov. 3 at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry.