Recent Posts
Henderson tapped to chair the state’s dental board
Dr. Bryan Henderson II, a dentist anesthesiologist and adjunct professor in Texas A&M College of Dentistry’s Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, was recently appointed chair of the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners by Gov. Greg Abbott. The board regulates the practice of dentistry, dental hygiene and other dental-related professions.
Have no fear: Garlic is good for teeth and gums
Garlic is believed to ward off vampires – at least in folklore. But even Dracula would love garlic’s oral health benefits. Allicin, the same sulfur compound that makes breath smell bad after someone eats garlic, helps kill harmful bacteria that cause plaque buildup and gum disease. Dr. Luz Mendoza, program manager of public health sciences at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas, said allicin, released when garlic is chopped, crushed or chewed, inactivates essential metabolic enzymes in bacteria and interferes with its ability to form biofilm that leads to oral diseases.
Dental assistants’ scope of care is broad and growing
Numerous accounts of dental assisting’s roots as a profession credit New Orleans dentist C. Edmund Kells with employing his wife in 1885. So helpful was her work that he soon hired the first full-time assistant, Malvina Cueria, a teenager, in his practice. While it may seem unimportant today, two women working in a dental office was revolutionary in the late-19th century. Convention dictated that women didn’t receive dental treatments without spousal permission, but the presence of two women in Kells’ office offered comfort and security to many women in his community. Kells’ helpers were so popular, other dentists soon advertised that “ladies in attendance” were working in their practices for the safety of female patients.
Dental students show their skills and compassion
Dental students from Texas A&M College of Dentistry participated in the 13th annual Dentistry with a Heart event, hosted by Park Cities Rotary at the Agape Clinic. The community outreach initiative provided free dental care — including extractions, fillings, and cleanings — to 26 patients from the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center and Agape Clinic.
Cancer and children’s teeth: Advice for parents
When a child enters a cancer battle, families rarely consider how treatments will affect teeth. However, life-saving measures, particularly chemotherapy and radiation, have immediate and future consequences on oral health. Dr. Carolyn A. Kerins, associate professor and graduate program director in the pediatric dentistry department at Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas, said a dental visit should be scheduled before treatment starts. The dentist needs to ensure the child’s teeth and gums are stable and eliminate any potential sources of infection, including cavities.
College of Dentistry shares ways to avoid bad breath
Proper brushing twice a day and thorough flossing at least once daily are known to help keep the mouth clean and prevent bad breath. In recognition of National Dental Hygiene Month in October, Eric Fox, clinical assistant professor in the dental hygiene program at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas, offered these additional tips to ward off bad breath:
College of Dentistry celebrates its 120th anniversary
More than 100 faculty, staff, students and alumni in cowboy boots and finery gathered Oct. 3 to mark Texas A&M University College of Dentistry’s 120th anniversary with a Boots and Burs celebration. The name is a nod to the college’s Texas roots and recognition of the dental profession – a bur being a dental tool. Proceeds from the event support expanding access to adult and pediatric dental care for underserved communities, scholarships and other initiatives.
Mukherji shares Texas Dentist of the Year honor
Dr. Partha Mukherji, clinical assistant professor in comprehensive dentistry at Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas, teaches dental students treatment fundamentals. However, his passion is advocating for the needs and interests of present and future general dentists. That dedication was saluted Sept. 12 in Austin as Mukherji and his longtime friend, Dr. Victor Rodriguez of Houston, owner of Clear Lake Dental Associates in Houston and an adjunct professor at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, were named co-recipients of 2025 Texas Dentist of the Year at Texas Academy Awards, Texas Academy of General Dentistry’s celebratory event. Each was honored for service to his community and the dental profession, commitment to continuing education, leadership and professional excellence.
Smarter Prescribing, Healthier Outcomes: Lecture Explores Antibiotic Stewardship in Dentistry
With the Centers for Disease Control estimating that more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the U.S. each year, more focus is given to antibiotic stewardship programs to promote smarter prescribing, optimize better patient outcomes and minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance. Dr. Erinne Kennedy will present “Antibiotic Stewardship: Policy, Practice and Processes,” during the biennial Brauman-Bell Alpha Omega Lectureship presented by Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Thursday, Oct. 16.
Happy anniversary, College of Dentistry
It has had many names over the decades. Still, for 120 years, Texas A&M College of Dentistry has remained committed to educating dental professionals and providing quality oral health care to the North Texas community and beyond. Today, the college celebrates its 120th anniversary.
Providing healthier smiles in Houston
About 20 Texas A&M College of Dentistry students traveled to Houston Sept. 26–27 to participate in the Texas Mission of Mercy's mobile dental clinic, providing dental care to underserved patients. Drs. Susan Jolliff, an adjunct professor in public health sciences, and Simmi Patel, clinical assistant professor in public health sciences and dental director of Now Forward, supervised the students.
Tooth & Turf brings friendly competition
The inaugural Tooth & Turf for Texas A&M College of Dentistry event launched Sept. 27, blending philanthropy and sportsmanship. Dental college classes competed in turf-based games, raising funds to support future outreach initiatives.