UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry

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717B Dunson Glen Drive

A part of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston). Enrollment doubled. A grant from the M.D. Anderson Blvd.

The University of Texas School of Dentistry, a part of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston), educates dentists, dental hygienists, and dental specialists, including endodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, pediatric dentists, periodontists, and prosthodontists. The School of Dentistry also offers a general practice residency (GPR) and adv

anced education in general dentistry (AEGD), as well as a master of dental hygiene. Our school also has a continuing dental education program that offers numerous courses taught by world-renowned instructors as well as guest lecturers and clinicians. Programs offered:
- Doctor of Dental Surgery degree (DDS)
- Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree (BSDH)
- Master of Science is Dental Hygiene degree (MSDH)
- Graduate (master of science in dentistry degree and certificate in a specialty area of dentistry)
- Postgraduate (certificate in general dentistry or a specialty area and an optional master of science in dentistry degree)
- Residency (certificate)

Founded in 1905, The University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston was the first dental school in Texas and continues to lead dental education today, with a vision of enriching the lives and health of our community and the world through patient care and research — our foundation in the pursuit of excellence in education. UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry began as the Texas Dental College, a private institution in rented quarters above a dry goods store on Congress Avenue. For decades, the school’s leadership lobbied to join The University of Texas System, but were unsuccessful until World War II caused an acute need for more dentists. The Texas Dental College formally closed on Aug. 31, 1943, and reopened on Sept. 1, 1943, as The University of Texas School of Dentistry. Anderson Foundation helped establish the school as a founding institution in the Texas Medical Center, and in 1952, the School of Dentistry’s dean, Dr. Fred Elliott, resigned to become the first executive director of the TMC. That same year, the school broke ground on a new building at 6516 M.D. It was completed in 1955. Upon moving into the new facility, also known as “The Pink Palace” because of the pinkish-brown marble exterior, the school assumed a new name, “The University of Texas Dental Branch.”

Nearly 60 years later, the school moved into its current location and in 2011 reverted to its original name, “The University of Texas School of Dentistry.”

Through it all, UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry has consistently provided high-quality education, patient care, service, and research, pursuing a vision of “Improving Oral Health… Improving Overall Health." The School of Dentistry’s three-part mission of education, patient care, and research aims to advance human health by providing high-quality education, patient care and research in oral health for Texas, the nation, and the world.

06/01/2026

On June 1, 2011, John A. Valenza, DDS ’81, was appointed dean of UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry after serving as interim dean for two years.

As he prepares to retire on Aug. 31, we recognize 17 years of leadership as dean and interim dean, and nearly four decades of service since joining the faculty in 1987.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the School of Dentistry, its people, and its mission.

05/28/2026

“Recognize, acknowledge, and embrace the opportunities that you’ve experienced in your lives — the good ones and not-so-good ones. Use those opportunities to be a better you.”

Alumnus Joel J. Vela, DDS ’93 ’97, returned to UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry as keynote speaker for the 2026 Annual Celebration of Scholarship, where he encouraged students and residents to embrace every experience as an opportunity for growth, learning, and service.

The annual event recognized more than 120 students and residents who received scholarship support during the 2025-26 academic year and celebrated the donors whose generosity continues to shape the future of oral health care.

Read more at Go.uth.edu/Scholarship2026.

05/25/2026

05/21/2026

Still just as special.

On May 21, 2012, UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry opened its home at 7500 Cambridge St. on the South Campus of the Texas Medical Center — a place where education, patient care, research, and community come together every day.

05/19/2026

A commitment to employee growth and workplace excellence has placed UTHealth Houston among Houston’s top employers on LinkedIn’s inaugural Top Companies: City Edition list.

Compiled by the LinkedIn News team, the annual ranking highlights organizations that provide strong opportunities for career growth, professional development, and long-term success. The Houston list is part of LinkedIn’s expansion of its nationally recognized Top Companies rankings, offering professionals a local guide to workplaces where careers can thrive.

Photos from UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry's post

05/15/2026

UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry orthodontics faculty and residents are proud to recognize World Orthodontic Health Day, highlighting the impact of orthodontic care on oral health, function, confidence, and quality of life.

05/14/2026

Congratulations, !

From crossing the stage to celebrating alongside faculty, staff, family, and friends, commencement marked an unforgettable milestone for the newest graduates of UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry.

05/13/2026

, it’s time!

Tune in at Go.uth.edu/Grad2026.

05/13/2026

The stage is set! Join us for UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry’s 121st Commencement Ceremony, as we celebrate the starting at 2 p.m. from NRG Arena.

Tune in at Go.uth.edu/Grad2026.

05/12/2026

Over 170 students will cross the stage during UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry’s 121st Commencement Ceremony at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, at NRG Arena.

Read more at Go.uth.edu/Grad2026.

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Location

Houston

Contact the school

Click here to send a message to the school

Telephone

+17134864000

Website

https://dentistry.uth.edu/

Address

7500 Cambridge Street
Houston, TX
77054

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm