In case you missed it: 2026 commencement highlights
The University of Texas at San Antonio School of Dentistry celebrated its graduates on May 18 at St. Mary’s University, awarding 198 degrees to the next generation of oral health professionals.
“Graduation marks a significant accomplishment for our School of Dentistry students and residents, who are well prepared to advance the profession of dentistry in meaningful ways,” said School of Dentistry Dean Ken Hargreaves, DDS, PhD. “Whether they go on to provide exceptional patient care, pursue discovery through research or educate future clinicians, they carry forward a commitment to excellence that defines our school. I congratulate each of them on this achievement and look forward to seeing the many ways they will make a meaningful difference in the communities they serve, and how they will shape the future of oral health.”
The School of Dentistry is now ranked No. 1 in Texas and 9th nationally among all schools of dentistry that received National Institutes of Health funding in 2025. In 2024, the school established two interdisciplinary centers of excellence, the Center for Regenerative Sciences and the Center for Pain Therapeutics and Addiction Research, helping to drive outstanding faculty recruitment and ensure that scientific discoveries translate into improved patient care.
Click here to read more about the School of Dentistry’s 2026 commencement and to view photos.
Graduate highlight videos
Watch these video highlights of three graduate students from the School of Dentistry as they reflect on their experiences at UT San Antonio Health Science Center and share their plans for the future:
- Hamsini Nathan, Doctor of Dental Surgery
- Shirley Flores, Doctor of Dental Surgery, International Dentist Education Program
- Katreena Dominguez, Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
A journey across continents
This May, Nana Opoku-Ansah, DDS, BDS, MPH, graduated from School of Dentistry through its International Dental Education Program, completing a credential that has taken her across three continents and demanded everything she had.
After completing dental school in Ghana, Opoku-Ansah pursued a master’s degree in dental public health in the United Kingdom, where she lived in London, a city she said has a fast-paced, buzzing energy that she enjoyed.
“If you are looking for leadership in the dental profession, the U.S. leads other countries,” she said. “If you want career advancement, if you want to learn more, if you want to do more advanced continuing education, it’s here.” …
Click here to continue reading about Dr. Opoku-Ansah’s journey to the School of Dentistry.
Doctor of Dental Surgery Senior Awards Ceremony
This May, just three days before graduation, the School of Dentistry held its annual Senior Awards Ceremony for Doctor of Dental Surgery graduates at Magnolia Pancake Haus. Over 120 awards were presented to senior dental students, highlighting achievements across clinical care, research, leadership, community service and dental education. 22 students were recognized for graduating with Distinction in Dental Education, and 6 students earned Distinction in Research. Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the national dental honor society, inducted 14 of the top-ranked students from the graduating class into its Mu Nu Chapter.
Click here to continue reading the list of senior awards and recipients and to view photos.
Graduating the next generation of healthcare leaders
Before the Class of 2026 spring and summer graduates of the six health professional schools of The University of Texas at San Antonio crossed the commencement stage this May, several students took time to reflect on their educational experiences, new friendships, mentors and campus life, and to consider the opportunities that now await them beyond the labs, clinical rotations and lecture halls.
Click here to read their inspirational stories.
When the 1,187 spring and summer graduates of The University of Texas at San Antonio’s six health professional schools walked across the stage for their commencement ceremonies this May, they will begin the next chapter of careers and advanced training dedicated to improving health and well-being.
Together, the graduates from the UT San Antonio’s health professional schools represent a growing, highly trained workforce committed to improving health outcomes across the South Texas region and beyond. As they step into careers in dentistry, research, public health, medicine and allied health fields, their work will help create a healthier future for generations to come.
Click here to read about university milestones and successes from this academic year.