School of Dentistry alumnus supports dental students with $30k contribution to the Dr. John Rugh Student Research Travel Award Endowment

The School of Dentistry recognizes the significant contributions of its distinguished alumni, who excel not only in their professional careers but also in mentorship, community service and philanthropy. Among these exceptional individuals is Hilton N. Goldreich, DDS, a 1992 graduate and valedictorian of our esteemed dental program. He has established a thriving orthodontics career while maintaining deep ties to the community and his alma mater.

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Goldreich moved to the United States at the age of 16. He pursued his undergraduate studies at The University of Texas at Austin, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology before enrolling in the UT Health Science Center San Antonio School of Dentistry. Goldreich furthered his expertise by completing his orthodontic training at Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, where he received both a certificate in orthodontics and a master’s degree.

Goldreich Orthodontics in Plano, Texas, known for creating beautiful smiles and strong community engagement, has been a cornerstone of local philanthropy for over 25 years. Goldreich is a recognized leader in his field, and his team actively supports numerous charitable organizations, participates in volunteer efforts and even offers college scholarships to their patients.

Goldreich’s journey as a dental professional was significantly shaped by his experience in the School of Dentistry’s Student Research Program, established in 1985 by John Rugh, PhD, and developed with a grant Rugh obtained from The National Institute of Health (NIH).  The Student Research Program provided funding for hundreds of students to do research and travel to present their findings at national and international dental research meetings. 

When NIH funding was no longer available in 2021, Rugh established a Student Research Travel Award Endowment to continue the legacy of the Student Research Program and the career-building opportunities it provides for students. The endowment funds travel awards for current and future dental students, helping them enhance their CVs and apply for dental specialty programs, much like Goldreich did as a student.

Rugh, a dedicated educator, researcher and administrator, has played a significant role in the School of Dentistry since joining the faculty in 1977. Currently serving as professor emeritus in the Department of Developmental Dentistry, Rugh has made a lasting impact on dental education through his commitment to fostering a research-oriented environment at the university. He served as director of research for the dental school from 1991 to 1997, and chair of the Department of Orthodontics from 1996 to 2010.  

When asked about his 46-year career at UT Health San Antonio, Rugh said, “One of my greatest pleasures was being in a position to help so many outstanding students, like Dr. Goldreich, achieve their goals in life.”

The School of Dentistry, supported by the Dr. John Rugh Student Research Travel Award Endowment, and the generosity of alumni, play a crucial role in creating opportunities for dental students and advancing dental research. Rugh’s commitment to research, along with contributions from alumni like Goldreich — who has generously donated $30,000 to the endowment — ensures that future graduates will have the resources they need to excel as skilled clinicians and compassionate leaders in their communities.

"Contributing to my alma mater's dental school is my way of giving back to a program that profoundly shaped my career. During my time there, I was fortunate to receive invaluable opportunities for research and the chance to present my findings at national meetings, all thanks to the unwavering support of my mentor, Dr. John Rugh. His dedication to fostering a culture of research and publication among dental students created an environment where we could thrive. I hope my gift enables future students to experience the same transformative opportunities I had and inspires others to join me in supporting the next generation of dental professionals," shared Goldreich. 

As we celebrate this legacy, we invite you to contribute to the Dr. John Rugh Student Research Travel Award Endowment to help us continue supporting and inspiring the next generation of dental professionals. Your donation will make a lasting impact on our students' futures and the field of dental research.

For more information on how to give, please contact Alex Castañeda, director of development, castanedam2@uthscsa.edu or call (210) 567-6536.

From left to right: John Rugh, PhD, professor emeritus, Department of Developmental Dentistry, Hilton N. Goldreich, DDS, School of Dentistry alumnus.