Rewind: 2025 Year In Review
Take a look at the top stories of 2025.
As UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry enters 2026, look back at the milestones that defined the past year. With the launch of the International Dentist Education Program, new community events like Floss n’ Fenders and Give Seniors a Smile, and continued leadership in research funding, 2025 was a year of innovation and impact.
Dental Class of 2027 recognized at white coat ceremony
UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry welcomed 106 students from the Dental Class of 2027 to the health care profession during the 26th Annual DDS White Coat Ceremony on Jan. 11.
2025 Annual Celebration of Scholarship recognizes student, resident recipients
UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry awarded over 120 students and residents with support for their studies during the 2025 Annual Celebration of Scholarship on Jan. 16.
‘Arctic’ UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry
Winter Storm Enzo delivered a rare Arctic front to the Lone Star State and the Gulf Coast in January, blanketing UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry with snow.
21st Annual Give Kids A Smile promotes oral health to Houston’s future
Coinciding with National Children’s Dental Health Month, UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry provided 1,269 treatments valued at $84,160 of free care to 126 uninsured children from the Houston community during the 21st Annual Give Kids A Smile on Feb. 21.
Center for Health Promotion rings in one year of services
UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry’s Center of Health Promotion celebrated the first anniversary of services in a ribbon-cutting ceremony in February. The first-of-its-kind clinic is a hub where dentistry, medicine, and behavioral health come together to prevent disease and promote the oral and overall health of patients.
Students, residents exhibit findings at 2025 Scientific Table Clinic
Students and residents of UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry shared research findings and practiced their oral presentations on an assortment of topics at the 2025 Scientific Table Clinic on March 18.
School of Dentistry retains No. 1 in Texas, top-10 national ranking in NIH funding
UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, for a second straight year, ranked first in Texas and 10th nationally among dental schools that received research funding from the National Institutes of Health in 2024. The rankings were released in February.
UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry announces new International Dentist Education Program
UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry announced its new International Dentist Education Program on March 4, an innovative program offering a 27-month pathway to a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.
11th Annual Cinderfella raises over $16,000
The Texas Association of Women Dentists Chapter at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry raised over $16,000 for the Mina Rosenthal-Eames Fund during the 11th Annual Cinderfella Silent Auction and Pageant on April 10.
Inaugural Floss n’ Fenders car show drives support for veterans’ smiles
Alumni, employees, families, friends, and car enthusiasts throughout the community attended the inaugural Floss n' Fenders car show on April 12 to showcase their vehicles and raise money to support Give Vets a Smile.
Classes of 2025 honored at graduation ceremony
UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry welcomed 173 graduates — 103 Doctor of Dental Surgery, 45 advanced education, 20 Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene, four registered dental hygienists, and one Master of Science in Dental Hygiene — of the Classes of 2025 to its alumni base during the 120th Commencement Ceremony on May 15 inside NRG Arena.
Inaugural Give Seniors a Smile provides care to 110 elderly
UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry provided more than $56,000 of free care to 110 seniors from the community during the inaugural Give Seniors a Smile on June 6.
School of Dentistry climbs to No. 8 in US, leads Texas in NIDCR funding
UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry ranked No. 8 among U.S. dental schools in research funding from the National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research for its fiscal year 2024, according to the agency’s annual rankings released in July.
Dental Hygiene Local Infiltration Anesthesia Course celebrates one year of instruction
One year after a landmark rule change expanded the scope of practice for dental hygienists in Texas, UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry celebrated the success of its continuing education course designed to certify dental hygiene professionals in the administration of local infiltration anesthesia in July.
School of Dentistry introduces Many F.A.C.E.S. program at summer retreat
UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry officially introduced its Many F.A.C.E.S. program during the annual summer retreat on July 28. The initiative is designed to support the well-being, productivity, and engagement of faculty, staff, students, and residents while reflecting, as a public professional school, the culture of Texas.
Two School of Dentistry alums co-win 2025 Texas Dentist of the Year
UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry alumni Victor Rodriguez, DDS ’95, and Partha Mukherji, DDS, General Practice Residency ’02, were named the co-recipients of the 2025 Texas Dentist of the Year™, the highest honor a Texas dentist can receive. The Texas Academy of General Dentistry named announced the honor during the Texas Academy Awards dinner Sept. 12.
2025 Dean’s Excellence Awards winners announced
Nine faculty members were named recipients of the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry Dean’s Excellence Awards for 2025 in recognition of their outstanding work in the categories of Application, Clinical Service, Integration, Mentoring, Teaching, and Volunteerism. The awardees were receive recognized in September with certificate presentations.
15th Annual Student Research Showcase highlights findings
Students presented findings to the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry community during the 15th Annual Student Research Showcase on Oct. 28.
UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry selected as national kickoff site for Give Kids A Smile 2026
UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry announced on Oct. 30 it was selected by the American Dental Association as the 2026 national kickoff site for the Give Kids A Smile® program — marking the first time the school will host the nationwide launch of this celebrated outreach initiative.
A Message from Dean John A. Valenza, DDS ’81
After 42 years in dental education — including 38 at his alma mater — Dean John A. Valenza, DDS ’81, shares his plans to retire on Aug. 31, 2026, and reflects on his journey from student to dean at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry. He made his announcement in November.
Give Vets a Smile honors 90 veterans with free dental care
UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry provided more than $55,000 of free care to 90 local veterans during the 11th Annual Give Vets a Smile on Nov. 7.
Dental school claims UTHealth Houston Sports Day crown
UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry students showcased their teamwork, energy, and school spirit on Nov. 15, capturing top honors at the 2025 UTHealth Houston Sports Day.
Dental Hygiene Class of 2027 celebrates milestone with white coat ceremony
UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry welcomed 29 students from the Dental Hygiene Class of 2027 into the profession during a white coat ceremony held Dec. 12 at the Cooley University Life Center.