Honors bestowed on graduating students

More than 80 dental and dental hygiene graduates were recognized at the 2024 Texas A&M School of Dentistry Awards Ceremony, held the day before commencement.

“Today we’ve set aside time to recognize graduating students who’ve shown excellence and specific clinical discipline in their specialties, as well as in academic performance,” said Dr. Lily T. García, dean. “In addition, several professional organizations, colleagues and individuals have generously sponsored awards to honor meritorious accomplishments, competency and performance.”

Award recipients were chosen by their faculty, García explained, meaning they had to stand out from their peers and show true excellence in the classroom and the clinic.

The 2024 Teachers of the Year – Dr. Victoria Woo and Professor Martha Alicia Estrada BSDH, RDH – were also recognized at the ceremony. Woo is a clinical professor in diagnostic sciences, and Estrada is a clinical assistant professor in dental hygiene.

“I want to acknowledge people who have dedicated their lives to educating brilliant graduates, as you see here,” García said of the school’s faculty and staff. “As hard as they are, they really do love you guys,” she told the students.  “… I want to congratulate all of our recipients and our faculty who received the Teacher of the Year recognition. I look forward to seeing you all at commencement.”