A better condition of care

While experiencing a record-breaking admissions season and achieving the national rank of No. 14 for National Institutes of Health federal research funding, the UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry continued to raise the bar in support of its missions in 2024.

A revolution in pain exploration has been launched with the school’s new Center for Pain Therapeutics and Addiction Research. Interdisciplinary collaboration is helping investigators study non-opioid treatments for chronic pain and how diet and stem cells can help alleviate suffering.

Jennifer Farrell, DDS, and the Phil and Karen Hunke Special Care Clinic are changing lives by providing compassionate dental care for patients with disabilities and complex conditions. Through her own inspiring journey in special education, Farrell is supporting families and addressing a critical need for access to care.

The school is tackling dental deserts head-on by inspiring future dentists from elementary school while also delivering hands-on training in the same underserved communities. Pipeline programs and clinical rotations across South Texas, are building the next generation of dentists to serve where they’re needed most.

UT Health San Antonio is breaking new ground in its search for innovative treatments for oral diseases. The newly created Center for Regenerative Sciences is already probing solutions to restore salivary gland function in head and neck cancer patients and replicating bone with 3D-printed scaffolds. The center’s collaborative efforts hold the promise of new, life-changing therapies.

For alumnus David Yu, DDS, MS, the bond with the School of Dentistry is lifelong. A supporter of the programs that shaped his career and mentor to the next generation of dental professionals, Yu exemplifies the power of giving back.