Recent Posts
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."
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.
Smiles we remember: Dr. Tommy W. Gage
It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of the passing of Dr. Tommy W. Gage, who died May 23, 2025. Dr. Gage began his distinguished career at the dental school in 1969 as associate professor and chair of the Department of Pharmacology. He later served as vice chair and professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Pharmacology and held a clinical faculty appointment in the college’s Stomatology Center. He retired in 2000 as professor emeritus. Following his initial retirement, Dr. Gage returned to serve as director of curriculum, retiring a second time in 2002 after 33 years of dedicated service.
Public health sciences honors with community awards
Public health services recently honored students and members of the community who helped them during the 2024-25 school year. Awardees included:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
5 surprising foods to eat for a healthy smile
Carrots, celery and apples are known teeth-friendly foods that scrub away plaque, stimulate saliva production and help fight against bad breath and decay. However, eating them every day is dull unless you’re a rabbit. In honor of National Show Your Smile Month in May, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas suggests five surprising foods that keep teeth and gums healthy. Consider it a spring gift for your mouth.
Spence named head of recruitment and admissions
Dr. Alicia Spence was named director of recruitment and admissions at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry March 17, after more than a decade in various teaching and administrative roles at her alma mater. Spence was tapped as interim director in 2024 and served on the admissions committee for several years. Dr. Ernestine Lacy, associate dean of student ...
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.