The lasting lesson: The teacher who inspired generations—and the endowment that continues his impact

Many people can point to a teacher who changed the way they thought. For generations of students at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, that teacher was Fred “Old Dog” Simmons, Jr., DDS ’58. A graduate of the school who later returned to teach for 25 years, Simmons blended clinical expertise with curiosity and an unmistakable style that made him the kind of educator students never forgot.

He had a remarkable ability to engage learners, encouraging them to think beyond technique and approach dentistry with sound judgment, creativity, and care. Driven by a deep commitment to excellence and a strong sense of purpose, he believed teaching should inspire lifelong learning.

“I had the privilege of being taught by Dr. Simmons,” said John A. Valenza, DDS ’81, who went on to serve as dean of the School of Dentistry. “He was a special person with a unique approach to education—not just in dentistry but with his entire outlook on life. No matter the subject, his focus was always on learning and being the best you could be.”

Simmons’ influence on the School of Dentistry was substantial. During his faculty career, from 1958 to 1983, he taught across multiple disciplines and chaired the Department of Restorative Dentistry—Unit Restoration. Through those many roles, he shaped not only students, but the culture of teaching itself.

It was that lasting influence that inspired alumnus Charles Hoopingarner, DDS ’73, and his wife, Gayla—longtime supporters of the school—to honor his mentor through the Dr. Fred “Old Dog” Simmons, Jr., Excellence & Innovation in Teaching Endowment. This fund will strengthen the school’s Center for Teaching and Learning, carrying Simmons’ passion for teaching to future educators.

While faculty development exists at many dental schools, UTHealth Houston is distinct in having a center dedicated entirely to advancing the teaching of oral health. Founded in 2013, it helps faculty continue to grow as educators by exploring new approaches to teaching and learning.

Through workshops, lectures, peer observations, and other programs, the center enables faculty to refine their teaching and learn from one another. Programming evolves each semester in response to faculty interests and emerging trends in education.

“Education is constantly evolving,” said Harold A. Henson, PhD, MEd, RDH, director of the Center for Teaching and Learning and professor in the Department of Periodontics and Dental Hygiene. “It’s our responsibility to stay well-versed in new developments.”

That commitment to continual growth comes at a critical time for dental education.

“Every school in dentistry is facing the graying of our faculty, with many educators nearing retirement,” Henson said.

Helping experienced clinicians become effective educators is an important part of meeting that need.

“You can be really great as an oral healthcare provider, but you still need to learn how to break everything down for a learner,” Henson said. “Those are the subtleties of teaching.”

The Dr. Fred “Old Dog” Simmons, Jr., Excellence & Innovation in Teaching Endowment will help prepare clinicians for teaching roles while encouraging students to consider academic careers, helping build the pipeline of future educators.

“If you have a great faculty member, they impart their wisdom to the student, and the student can become an excellent clinician,” Henson said. “That ultimately leads to better patient outcomes.”

That kind of lasting impact begins with educators like Simmons. Through the endowment established in his honor, today’s faculty will have new opportunities to inspire students and ultimately advance the care they provide.

Those who wish to honor Simmons’ legacy can extend his impact by supporting the Dr. Fred “Old Dog” Simmons, Jr., Excellence & Innovation in Teaching Endowment, benefiting future generations of educators, students, and patients.