Results: 213 news stories

What causes TMJ pain and what can I do about it?

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain is a common issue for many patients seen in UT Dentistry clinics. In an interview, Felix Amarista, DDS, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery clinical assistant professor at UT Health Science Center San Antonio, discusses the primary causes and treatment for TMJ injury and pain. 


Dental and speech-language pathology students learn from each other during interprofessional activity focused on dysphagia management

  When people with swallowing disorders also have poor oral health, they are at greater risk of serious health complications — including aspiration pneumonia. Dentists and speech-language pathologists encounter patients with swallowing disorders, including dysphagia, a condition that affects millions of Americans — particularly older adults. To ensure that dental students and speech-language pathology students […]


Historic milestone for Texas dental hygienists: Brenda Wertman becomes first at UT Health San Antonio to obtain local anesthesia license

In a significant advancement for the dental hygiene profession, Brenda Wertman, MPH, RDH, assistant professor/clinical of UT Health San Antonio’s dental hygiene program, became the first dental hygienist at the institution to receive a license for local infiltration anesthesia. 

This historic achievement not only marks a turning point for dental hygienists in Texas but also celebrates the shared journey of advocacy for this expanded scope of practice for over 35 years.


School of Dentistry volunteers transform lives through Communities Under the Bridge Program

With the guidance of Mitzi Roberts, area director of the Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA) in San Antonio, the Communities Under the Bridge program has been connected with faculty and students from the UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry to help make meaningful impacts on underserved communities in San Antonio. 


Kenneth M. Hargreaves honored with the 2025 Edgar D. Coolidge Award

Kenneth M. Hargreaves, DDS, PhD, professor of endodontics and director of the Center for Pain Therapeutics and Addiction Research at UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Edgar D. Coolidge Award.


National Dental Hygiene Month: Protecting the body starts with a smile

The condition of teeth and gums plays a crucial role in overall well-being, according to Veronica Ledesma, MS, RDH, an assistant clinical professor and dental hygiene program co-director at UT Health Science Center San Antonio School of Dentistry.

National Dental Hygiene Month is a good reminder of the importance of oral health and the work of prevention professionals like Ledesma. She explains that proper dental hygiene not only creates a bright smile but also contributes significantly to protecting the body from disease and inflammation.


UT Dentistry is going pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This October, UT Dentistry clinics will be donning pink personal protective equipment (PPE) in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of early breast cancer detection and education and to raise funds for research.


Christina M. Meiners, DDS, named Texas Dentist of the Year

We are proud to share that Christina M. Meiners, DDS, FICD, director of community learning and clinical assistant professor in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, was presented with the 2024 Texas Dentist of the Year Award. 


Sterile Processing Department Receives the 2024 Superior Lab Safety Award

The School of Dentistry is proud to announce that the Sterile Processing Department at the Center for Oral Health Care and Research has been honored with the prestigious Superior Lab Safety Award. This award, traditionally given to research labs, was presented in recognition of the department’s exceptional efforts in fostering a positive culture of safety, making it the first non-research lab to receive this distinction.


UT Health San Antonio dental student recipient of ICD-WUDAA Scholarship for a fourth year

For the fourth year in a row, a School of Dentistry Doctor of Dental Surgery student is named the recipient of the International College of Dentists (ICD) and Washington University Dental Alumni Association (WUDAA) Scholarship Award. The 2024 awardee for this highly competitive national scholarship is senior Tyler Stevens.


Alumna with small-town roots has statewide impact

 

With a passion for patient care and a commitment to the profession, Susan Putthoff, DDS, FAGD, has made her mark in the field of dentistry. After earning her dental degree at UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry in 2010 and completing her residency with the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program, Putthoff embarked on a journey that would see her become a dedicated and recognized leader in the state’s dental community.


Scott G. Stafford, DDS, MBA, named Associate Dean of Patient Care

 

Scott G. Stafford, DDS, MBA, was appointed as associate dean of patient care in the School of Dentistry on Aug. 1. Dr. Stafford has been a leader in the school for over 22 years, most recently serving as director for professional development and continuing dental education and also as interim chair of the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry. 


UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry wins Academy of General Dentistry 2024 Student Chapter of the Year Award

 

We are proud to announce that the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) student chapter at UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry has been honored with the 2024 Student Chapter of the Year Award. This recognition is a testament to our student chapter's exceptional efforts and achievements throughout the 2023-2024 academic year.


Sohini Dhar, DDS, elected to the Board of the American Association of Public Health Dentistry as Director-at-Large

 

The School of Dentistry is proud to announce that Sohini Dhar, DDS, MPH, FICD, assistant professor of comprehensive dentistry, has been elected to serve as the Director-at-Large on the Board of the American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD) from 2024 to 2027.

Dhar has been an active member of AAPHD for several years, previously serving as a council member and chair for AAPHD’s Council on Educational Affairs. 


Three Comprehensive Dentistry icons retire after a collective 66 years of service and achievements

 

The School of Dentistry celebrated three Department of Comprehensive Dentistry faculty icons in June upon their retirement for their collective 66 years of dedication, service, leadership and instruction. Their influence on the many dental students they have taught has made a lasting impact on the profession and all of the patients their students have gone on to care for.


2024 Predoctoral Convocation Awards

 

The School of Dentistry celebrated the accomplishments of its predoctoral dental students during the 2024 Predoctoral Convocation Awards at the end of April.

Stefanie Seitz, DDS, MEd, assistant dean for students and associate clinical professor in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, emceed the event, which recognized 27 individuals and presented over $31,000 in scholarship and award winnings.


2024 School of Dentistry Senior Awards Ceremony

 

On Friday, May 17, 2024, the School of Dentistry held its annual Senior Awards Ceremony for Doctor of Dental Surgery graduates. This year’s ceremony included breakfast at the event center in the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham located in the Medical Center.