UTHealth Houston Dental School Celebrates 173 Graduates at 120th Commencement
HOUSTON — The UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry marked a milestone celebration as 173 graduates walked across the stage at NRG Arena during the institution’s 120th Commencement Ceremony on May 15, adding to the school’s distinguished alumni network.
The graduating class included 103 students earning their Doctorate of Dental Surgery, 45 completing advanced education programs, 20 receiving Bachelor of Science degrees in Dental Hygiene, four registered dental hygienists, and one Master of Science in Dental Hygiene recipient.
Dr. Gary N. Frey, chair of the Department of General Practice and Dental Public Health and a 1979 graduate himself, delivered an inspirational message that emphasized the cyclical nature of education. Having given the graduates their very first lecture at the beginning of dental school, Frey reminded them of their unlimited potential.
“You will stumble, and you will fall. But, guess what? It matters not that you fell. What matters is that you get up, brush yourself off, refocus on your goals, your family, and yourself, and head right back down that road of life,” Frey told the graduates. “If you do that, you cannot help but succeed. Remember, this is your dream. Make the very most of it.”
The commencement address was delivered by Dr. Rita M. Cammarata, a 1996 graduate and former president of the Texas Dental Association. Drawing from her unique background as both a dental hygienist and recently retired pediatric dentist, Cammarata challenged the graduates to gain diverse experiences that would make their expertise second nature.
“You are all about to create an experience each and every day for strangers. People who will respect you because they call you doctor, but whose trust you will need to gain and nurture through each experience you two are sharing together,” Cammarata said, emphasizing how patient relationships directly influence professional success.
The ceremony featured traditional elements including class presidents Jeffrey Orchard for the dental class and Ivan Medellin for the dental hygiene class addressing their peers. UTHealth Houston Interim President Dr. LaTanya J. Love conferred the degrees and certificates while Associate Dean Dr. Robert Spears called graduates to the stage.
In a personal touch that highlighted the school’s legacy, several graduates received their diplomas from family members or significant others who are also School of Dentistry alumni, demonstrating the institution’s multigenerational impact on families and the profession.
Dean John A. Valenza concluded the ceremony by sharing an unexpected discovery from his recent travels. While in Chester, England, he spotted the “Ten Commandments of Eggert” displayed prominently on a building – principles for working better authored by American software engineer Grady Booch from Amarillo, Texas. The ten guidelines, which Valenza said resonate broadly, include: “Do one thing at a time,” “Know the problem,” “Learn to listen,” and “Smile.”
The ceremony, which can be viewed as a replay on YouTube with photos available on Flickr, represents another chapter in the school’s 120-year history of training dental professionals who will serve communities across Texas and beyond.
Alumni association presidents Dr. Keely A. Hunsaker and Lori Jones led the traditional Dentist’s Pledge and Dental Hygiene Oath, respectively, formally welcoming the new graduates into their professional communities.
