Salute Magazine
2021 issue
Craniomaxillofacial Surgeon, Multidisciplinary Team Provide Best Care
When Alessia was born, she was diagnosed with Apert syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes premature fusion of the bones of the skull, hands and feet. Mark A. Miller, DMD, MD, FACS, pediatric craniomaxillofacial surgeon with the School of Dentistry, worked with a multidisciplinary team to perform an invasive surgery when she was 2 years old.
Sister Faculty Members Share Dedication to Innovative Research
The School of Dentistry's Department of Endodontics boasts two nationally acclaimed researchers who also happen to be sisters. Nikita “Niki” Ruparel, DDS, PhD, MS, and Shivani Ruparel, PhD, MS, come from a family of physicians but both chose to dedicate their careers to discovery in their endodontics laboratories.
A Safety Net: Pediatric Dental Clinic Offers Oral Care for All Children
School of Dentistry pediatric dentistry faculty, residents and students provide comprehensive dental care to children who otherwise would not receive it. Because of philanthropic and governmental support, the UT Health San Antonio Ricardo Salinas Clinic remains an invaluable service to the community.
Researcher Leading Effort to Improve Health of Vulnerable Populations
Suman Challa, BDS, MSPH, associate dean for advanced education programs and strategic initiatives for the School of Dentistry, has received multiple million dollar grants to bring advanced dental care to the underserved in nursing homes in and around San Antonio.
Periodontics Professor Studying Saliva to Improve Quality of Life, Prevent Cancer
Brij B. Singh, PhD, associate dean for research and professor of periodontics in the School of Dentistry at UT Health San Antonio, has dedicated 20 years of multi-disciplined research on salivary gland function and believes epigenetics may hold the key to reversing the condition.
Just the Facts: Infographics on the School of Dentistry
Infographics offer quick snapshot of the School of Dentistry for Fiscal Year 2020 to 2021.
A Historic Commencement in 2021 for the School of Dentistry
The School of Dentistry's 2021 dental and dental hygiene graduates overcame the interruptions and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to complete their degrees. Commencement in May 2021 was a historic and socially distanced all-school event at the Alamodome.
Alumnus Continues Family Legacy of Dedication to Dental Excellence
Ronald K. Crabtree, DDS Class of 1983, is the grandson of an oral surgeon and son of a specialist in oral and maxillofacial radiology. He is continuing the family's legacy of providing outstanding oral care with his wife, son and daughter-in-law. His son-in-law and daughter have an orthodontic practice.
Graduate Following Mentors’ Footsteps
Kara Tapangan, DDS Class of 2019, decided to attend the School of Dentistry at UT Health San Antonio because her mentors are alumni. She fondly recalls the strong faculty support system that helped her to excel. Dr. Tapangan is an associate dentist in San Antonio and working toward partnership.
Dental Hygienist Enjoys Challenging, Rewarding Role
Karla Roush, BSDH Class of 2015, RDH, has found her niche as a dental hygienist in a unique environment. Roush works in the San Antonio State Supported Living Center with adults who have intellectual and development disabilities. She has learned to be sensitive to patients' very specific needs while helping them maintain good oral hygiene.
Graduate Blends Pediatric Dentistry, Military Career
Amanda N. Robles, BSDH Class of 2019, RDH, credits great professors for her success in earning her degree in the School of Dentistry. Robles has found her calling in pediatric dentistry as a dental hygienist. She also enjoys a career as a member of the Texas Air National Guard.