Texas A&M College of Dentistry salutes 120th anniversary Oct. 3
Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas marks the end of its yearlong 120th anniversary, which will culminate with a Boots & Burs celebration Friday, Oct. 3, from 6-8 p.m. at Las Colinas Country Club in Irving. “Boots” is a nod to the dental college’s Texas roots, and a “bur” is a common dental instrument.
Tickets are available at https://tx.ag/BootsandBurs. Proceeds from the event will support three key initiatives:
- Expanding access to adult and pediatric dental care for underserved communities
- Supporting student mental health and wellness initiatives
- Scholarships
During the event, the dental college will recognize this year’s Distinguished Alumnus and Outstanding Young Alumnus.
Cocktail attire and boots are encouraged.
Offering 10 dental specialties, the dental college is the largest oral health provider in North Texas. While it’s operated under many names since it opened as State Dental College on Oct. 3, 1905, the dental college remains true to its mission of shaping the future of oral health through excellence in education, research and patient care.
Established as a private dental school, the first 40 students attended classes on the second and third floors of a downtown grocery store. Today, the dental college boasts nearly 600 dental, dental hygiene, graduate and specialty degree-seeking students. Dr. Lily T. García, Class of 1984, returned to lead her alma mater in 2022 and has prioritized stability and morale with a people-centered approach, ensuring the college remains a leader in dental education.
The Dental Class of 1925 and the Dental Class of 2025.
“It all comes back to talent, culture and facilities,” García said. “They all play into and off each other.”
Understanding facilities shape first impressions and daily experiences, García initiated a major renovation of the college’s Administration and Education Building. Student services were relocated into a newly renovated student affairs suite that brings teams together in shared spaces. Work is expected to be completed soon on a new simulation laboratory and other improvements.
García also strengthened the college’s academic and clinical expertise through key leadership hires in several academic departments, as well as clinical affairs and academic affairs.
To ensure long-term success, she prioritizes succession planning, fostering mentorship and leadership development to prepare the next generation of educators and administrators.
Student well-being is a priority. The college’s Mental Health and Wellness Committee equips students with resources to help them navigate the rigors of dental school.
In alignment with university-wide initiatives, an on-site counselor ensures students have access to professional support.
Addressing oral health care disparities is a priority, too. The Dr. M.C. Cooper Dental Clinic, the college’s Sealant Program and its collaboration with North Dallas Shared Ministries provide essential dental care to those in need within our communities.
The dental college signed a memorandum of understanding earlier this year with Shear Kershman Laboratories and Innovative MedTech Inc. to collaborate on transformative health care initiatives in oral care. The partnership aims to develop cutting-edge technologies, enhance education and training and drive research that improves global patient outcomes.
By fostering such partnerships, the college strengthens its ability to innovate, educate and serve communities in meaningful ways.
“Our history demonstrates the strength of our foundation, and with the unwavering support of Texas A&M University, we are well-positioned for the future,” García said. “What is most important is that we continue doing what is right for our students, the university and the people of Texas.”
The dental college has a long history of both academic excellence and top-level care. That’s never changed, whether alumni and the community called it:
- State Dental College
- Baylor University College of Dentistry
- Baylor College of Dentistry
- Baylor College of Dentistry, a member of the Texas A&M University System
- Texas A&M University System Health Science Center – Baylor College of Dentistry
- Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry
- Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry
- Texas A&M University School of Dentistry
- Texas A&M University College of Dentistry
