Salute Magazine

2025 issue

2024 Dean’s Report

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.
Illustration of a person standing on a mountain, in front of an orange sky, looking at a moon that is made out of a pill.

Looking beyond opioids

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.
Two special need children play in front of the bubble wall in the lobby of the Hunke clinic.

A better condition of care

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.
An illustration of various dental chairs set around a small oasis in a dry desert landscape.

Addressing a dental drought

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.
Illustration of a laboratory generating a set of teeth.

The future of healing is regenerative

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.

‘We make a life by what we give’

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.
Photo of the three retirees holding plaques.

Accolades

School of Dentistry faculty were recognized in 2024 for clinical excellence, leadership, research and so much more.
Dr. Loomer stands in front of a building.

Making an indelible difference

By advancing dental education and research and addressing critical care shortages in Texas, the School of Dentistry is leading the way in innovation and impact. Dean Peter M. Loomer shares the school’s latest initiatives shaping the future of dentistry.
Students read the pledge to receive white coats.

White Coat Ceremony

First-year dental and dental hygiene students were formally welcomed into the dental profession during the school’s annual ceremony.

Commencement: Class of 2024

The School of Dentistry celebrated the graduation of 172 dental professionals during the 2024 commencement ceremony.
In Memoriam

In Memoriam

The School of Dentistry honors the memory of two faculty leaders who dedicated their careers to the education of others.