Students
Class of 2025’s memories and final thoughts
Another graduation has come and gone at Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas, and students are embarking on their next chapters. We asked a handful of students about their expectations of dental college before they started and what they know now. "Before dental school, I thought it would mainly be an academic grind—just tougher classes and lots of lab time. I didn’t expect how deeply it would challenge my resilience, humility, and ability to grow through failure. Now I’ve learned that dental school is as much about becoming a better teammate and leader as it is about becoming a skilled clinician." Read More
Graduation 2025 brings smiles to all
Several years of study and work led to success for 170 dental students, dental hygiene students and graduate students who earned their degrees May 25 from Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas. The procession was led by Teachers of the Year Dr. Amp W. Miller III, professor in the comprehensive dentistry department, and Professor Brandy S. Cowen, clinical assistant professor and clinic coordinator in the dental hygiene program. Student speakers included Justin Thamsorn, class president representing the dental students; Jennifer Truong, class president representing the dental hygiene students; and Dr. Athanasios Rigos, who represented the graduate students. Read More
Biting into the next chapter: 2025 grad returns to military life as a Navy dentist
For Daniel Hupp of Colleyville, it’s molars and the military. He graduates May 25 from Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas and reports in July to Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina, as a Navy officer and a new dentist. Hupp is familiar with military life. He served in the U.S. Marines for a decade, including several years as a Naval Flight Officer flying dangerous missions in Syria and Iraq. He resigned in 2021, only to reenlist the next day in the Navy so he could participate in its Health Services Collegiate Program for Navy Sailors who want to become dentists or other health care professionals. Read More
Aggie triple crown: Mom’s degree dreams come true
Cristina Flores-Villarreal sent her sons, Gueriel and Eduardo Mendes-Flores, to Texas A&M University in College Station, like many proud Aggie parents, full of hopes and dreams for their futures. And she celebrated when each received a bachelor’s degree and went to law school. “From a young age, I made sure they understood that college wasn’t optional; it was the next step,” she said. “I couldn’t give them everything financially, but I could give them vision, discipline and belief in themselves.” Now it’s her turn. Read More
Shaping the future of health care: Making dentistry safe for service animals
Graduation Day at Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas is May 25, and participating in all the pomp and circumstance with the 27 graduates of the dental hygiene program is one who has been with the class since the beginning. Fozzie, a 5-year-old standard goldendoodle and full-time service dog, will accompany owner Cora Owens as she receives her bachelor’s degree. Yet it’s Fozzie who provided professors with a valuable education on maintaining a learning environment for students while also creating a safe situation for the dog. Read More
Providing a dose of dental care
Texas A&M College of Dentistry students provided dental screenings May 3 as part of UT Southwestern's 20th annual community health fair Carnaval de Salud at T.J. Rusk Middle School in Dallas. Dr. Martha Alvarez supervised four third-year dental students. The dental students are Nichols Baldetti, Leslie Bich Linh Nguyen, Henan Teklu and Vivian Liu. Read More
Tips for applying to dental school
Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service opened to students May 1 this year. Here is Texas A&M University College of Dentistry’s information and advice to predental students hoping to enter the Class of 2030. Read More
A day in their scrubs: Bryn Martin
Meet Bryn Martin, fourth-year dental student, who will join the Navy as a commissioned officer with the rank of lieutenant after graduation May 25. She’s doing so through the Health Professions Scholarship Program. The interview was edited for length, flow and clarity. Hometown: I live in Allen now, so I commute pretty far. I went to Lovejoy High School in Lucas. When did you first consider dentistry as a career? I’ve always been interested in health care. My uncle is a dentist, and I ended up shadowing him for a whole summer in Tucson, Arizona, and saw his impact on patients. It was amazing, people coming in crying about their situations. (He was) not just a dentist to them…. (He was) able to help them like a therapist, almost. They walked out so much happier than before. Read More
Full of honors
Soon-to-be graduates of Texas A&M College of Dentistry's dental hygiene program were honored recently for their accomplishments. The received pins and awards, marking the end of their courses and the beginning of their careers. They are entering the profession at a time when there's strong job security and competitive compensation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that demand for dental hygienists will grow 9% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all professions. Read More
Recruiting future dental professionals
About 130 students attended a recent recruitment event at Texas A&M College of Dentistry. The dental college hosts tour days so predental students may tour the campus with dental students, learn about the admissions process and ask questions. Read More