Next generation of oral health leaders graduate from UT San Antonio School of Dentistry

The University of Texas at San Antonio School of Dentistry celebrated its newest graduates on May 18 during a commencement ceremony at St. Mary’s University, awarding 198 degrees to the next generation of oral health professionals. The graduating class included 170 Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees and 28 Bachelor of Science degrees in Dental Hygiene.

Watch video highlights of three graduating 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.

“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.”

This year’s commencement comes amid a period of remarkable achievement for the school. The School of Dentistry is now ranked No. 1 in Texas and No. 9 nationally among dental schools receiving National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding in 2025, underscoring its growing leadership in research and innovation.

Further advancing its impact, the school launched two interdisciplinary research centers of excellence in 2024: the Center for Regenerative Sciences and the Center for Pain Therapeutics and Addiction Research. These centers are enhancing faculty recruitment and accelerating the translation of scientific discoveries into improved patient care.

Together, graduates from UT San Antonio’s health professional schools represent a highly trained and expanding workforce dedicated to improving health outcomes across the region and beyond. As they begin careers in dentistry, medicine, research, nursing, public health and allied health, their contributions will help build healthier communities for generations to come.

Click here to view and download photos from the School of Dentistry’s commencement ceremony.