School of Dentistry Family and Friends Network welcomes incoming students

Incoming dental and dental hygiene students and their families gathered at the inaugural Family and Friends Network Welcome Reception in the Cooley University Life Center. The fall semester starts Aug. 17. (Photo by UTHealth Houston)

Families, friends, faculty, staff, and incoming students gathered Aug. 6 in the Cooley University Life Center for the inaugural UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry Family and Friends Network Welcome Reception.

Held ahead of orientation, the event welcomed members of the incoming dental and dental hygiene classes and gave students and their loved ones an opportunity to meet classmates, connect with faculty, and learn more about the community that will support them throughout their education. The fall semester starts Aug. 17.

Dean John A. Valenza, DDS ’81, welcomed attendees and congratulated students on earning their place at the School of Dentistry.

“As a 1981 graduate of the school, I can tell you from experience that your time here will be one of the most rewarding and transformational seasons of your life,” said Valenza, The William N. Finnegan III Professor in the Dental Sciences at the dental school. “You are here because you’re ready for this, and because others recognized you have what it takes.”

Valenza encouraged students to embrace the opportunities ahead and recognized the important role families and friends play throughout their educational journey.

“The support you provide will be incredibly important,” Valenza said. “Earning a dental degree or a dental hygiene degree or certificate has its share of challenges, and your presence in the lives of our students will make a difference.”

He also introduced the Family and Friends Network, which is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for students through events, volunteer opportunities, and acts of support throughout the year. One example is Finals Feast, which provides complimentary meals for students during finals week.

Student Council President Truong Huynh, a member of the DDS Class of 2028, offered incoming students a perspective from someone who recently began the same journey.

“Starting dental school is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming,” Huynh said. “What you’ll quickly discover, though, is that you’re not doing this alone. You are surrounded by people who genuinely want to see you succeed.”

Huynh pushed the classes to take advantage of opportunities beyond the classroom, including student organizations, leadership opportunities, community outreach, research, specialty interest groups, and school traditions.

“I encourage you to say yes to as many opportunities as you can,” Huynh said. “Those experiences will make your dental school experience so much more enjoyable.”

He also thanked families and friends for helping students reach this milestone and encouraged them to continue providing encouragement throughout the years ahead.

Closing the program, Valenza reflected on the significance of beginning a new chapter at the School of Dentistry and encouraged students to embrace the experiences ahead.

“We are UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, an incredible place to learn and grow,” Valenza said. “It will not only change your lives, but the lives of every patient you encounter in the years ahead.”

Following the remarks, attendees enjoyed refreshments, participated in games such as ring toss and bean bag tic-tac-toe, and captured photos in front of a School of Dentistry backdrop while connecting with classmates and members of the School of Dentistry community.