A Historic Commencement in 2021 for the School of Dentistry

Faculty Mark LittleStar, DDS; Jon M. Dossett, DMD; Adriana Vargas Green, DDS, MPH; Frederick T. Philips, DDS; Konstantina Angelara, DDS; Barry W. Holleron, DDS; Arthur “Don” Shaw, DDS; Kevin M. Gureckis, DMD, and Elena Riccio Leach, DDS, MS

Salute

Beau Deaver, DDS; David Rifat, DDS; Stacy Trieu, DDS; Matthew Zhang, DDS, and Cristobal Urrutia, DDS

For the first time in its 53-year history, UT Health San Antonio celebrated a combined, all-school commencement on May 22, 2021, at the Alamodome. The historic graduation recognized students who persevered in earning their degrees in spite of the many interruptions and inconveniences created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of the more than 1,000 who crossed the stage, 98 students earned their Doctor of Dental Science while 23 students received their Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the School of Dentistry.

While social distancing and masks altered the usual commencement ceremony, the safety protocols in no way hampered the excitement and joy felt by students and their proud family members and friends. These hard-working, adaptable new dental professionals are well prepared for future challenges they may face.

Dina Alshareif, DDS, and Kelli Creel, DDS
Faith Molina, BSDH; Maria Perez, BSDH; Kara Robinson, BSDH; Leslie Sanchez, BSDH; Karla Valenzuela, BSDH; Rocio Villarino, BSDH, and Amber Villarreal, BSDH
Cynthia Uzoukwu, DDS; Easton Trejo, DDS; Lauren Samas, DDS, and Marian Rosado, DDS
Meghan Heinze, BSDH; Sara Kneip, BSDH; Ana Leon, BSDH; Melanie Marquez, BSDH, and Simran Meknojia, BSDH

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In the 2021 issue of Salute

Salute is the official magazine for the alumni and friends of the School of Dentistry at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Read and share inspiring stories highlighting our dental alumni, faculty and students who are revolutionizing education, research, patient care and critical services in the communities they serve.

View the 2021 issue

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