Sista receives McGovern Outstanding Teaching Award

Associate Professor Vinu Taneja Sista, DDS, has been named the 2025 recipient of the John P. McGovern Outstanding Teaching Award at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry.

Chosen by third- and fourth-year dental students, the McGovern Award recognizes excellence in clinical teaching. Sista’s award was announced during the School of Dentistry’s annual DDS Senior Awards.

“The relationships I have built with my students over the years are among the greatest gifts dentistry has given me,” Sista said. “To be recognized and honored by them in this way is incredibly meaningful and deeply humbling. This award means everything to me.”

Sista earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles, and her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of California, San Francisco. She then furthered her education at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, where she completed her General Practice Residency.

After spending 14 years in private practice, she continues to practice once a week and serves as the first attending resident for the Orange Practice, lab coordinator for the DS2 summer digital course, and the assistant clinical director for digital dentistry.

“I joined the School of Dentistry full-time six years ago,” she said. “Although I always envisioned myself teaching, I imagined it would be something I pursued closer to retirement. What began as a part-time commitment quickly became a full-time passion. Teaching has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career.”

Sista’s teaching philosophy focuses on thinking critically and solving the plethora of clinical challenges by exploring a vast array of approaches. She also believes that instilling a passion for lifelong learning is at the heart of what she does every day.

“Dentistry isn’t always clear-cut, there’s a lot of gray area,” she said. “I think it’s important to teach them to navigate through the gray by exploring different solutions while always keeping the patient’s best interest in mind.”

Sista credits her students and her many teaching mentors throughout her journey for the success she’s been able to experience at the School of Dentistry. These include Stephen Laman, DDS; J. Robert Stephen, DDS; H. Philip Pierpont, DDS; Amity Gardner, DDS; Michelle Thompson, DDS; and Gargi Mukherji, DDS.

“When you are surrounded by greatness, you rise to the level of those around you, and that’s what this institution has done for me,” Sista said. “This award is an honor, but it’s in no way my own. I have learned from everyone I have worked with here, so with heartfelt gratitude, I say thank you.”

The McGovern Award comes with a cash prize. Award winners include:

• Vinu Taneja Sista, DDS, 2025
• Dan Bentley, DDS, 2024, 2018, 2011
• Stephen Laman, DDS, 2023
• Bonita A. Wynkoop, RDH, DDS, 2022
• Long D. Tran, PharmD, DDS, 2021
• Dianna M. Arriaga, DDS, MEd, 2020
• Cleverick (C.D.) Johnson, MS, DDS, 2019, 1993
• Rodney Beetar, DDS, MS, 2017, 2012, 2010, 1996, 1989
• Amity Gardner, DDS, 2016
• Ralph Cooley, DDS, 2015
• Trevor Treasure, DDS, MD, MBA, 2014
• Debra Stewart, DDS, 2013
• Shiwei Cai, DDS, PhD, 2009
• Robert (Rod) Dosch, DDS, 2008
• Donald Belles, DDS, MS, 2007
• Richard Bebermeyer, DDS, MBA, 2006, 1990
• Gary Frey, DDS, 2005
• Donna Warren Morris, RDH, MEd, 2004, 2002
• Gene Stevenson, DDS, MS, 2003
• Jayne McWherter, RDH, MEd, 2001
• Maribeth Stitt, RHD, MEd, 2000
• Jeffrey Chang, DDS, 1999
• Sam Adkisson, DDS, 1998, 1994, 1992, 1985
• Leslie Roeder, DDS, 1997
• Edmund Strickler, DDS, 1995
• Cornelius Sullivan, Jr., DDS, 1991
• Kenneth Porter, DDS, 1988, 1986
• Willis Smith, DDS, 1987
• Clyde Coe, DDS, 1984