School of Dentistry appoints Christine Meiners, DDS, as associate dean for community engagement

The University of Texas at San Antonio School of Dentistry has appointed Christine Meiners, DDS, FICD, as associate dean for community engagement, effective Sept. 1.

Meiners has served as director of community learning since 2023, leading the school’s community-based education efforts and expanding its partnerships throughout South Texas. In that role, she oversees external clinical rotations that give dental students experience treating patients in communities across the region. 

“Her commitment to improving oral health through community engagement, combined with her collaborative leadership style and dedication to our missions, makes her exceptionally well suited for this new role,” said Ken Hargreaves, DDS, PhD, dean of the School of Dentistry.

A 2010 graduate of the school’s Doctor of Dental Surgery program, Meiners is a fellow of the International College of Dentists and a past national president of the Hispanic Dental Association. She was named 2024 Texas Dentist of the Year.

In her new role, Meiners will provide strategic leadership for the school’s community engagement initiatives, including oversight of regional campus activities. She will lead efforts to expand educational opportunities for students and improve access to oral healthcare across South Texas.

The appointment follows the retirement of Juanita Lozano-Pineda, DDS, MPH, who served as associate dean for external affairs until Aug. 31. Hargreaves credited her with “lasting contributions to our community programs” that set Meiners and the school up for success.

Please join the School of Dentistry in congratulating Meiners on her new role. The school looks forward to her continued leadership as she advances community engagement throughout the region.