News - School of Dentistry

Alumni Spotlight: An unexpected career became a labor of love

For one reason or another, the Medical College of Alabama in Birmingham chose not to accept Dr. Grady Price’s application to enter medical school for the fall of 1959. At the time, Dr. Price was studying pre-med at the University of Alabama and was preparing for a career as a physician when his plans abruptly changed.

School of Dentistry celebrates graduates, recognizes student accomplishments during annual commencement ceremony

UAB School of Dentistry honored over 150 Doctor of Dental Medicine graduates at its recent commencement ceremony. Held for the Class of 2021, the June 5 event also included members of the Class of 2020 who returned to celebrate in-person following a virtual ceremony last year.

Judd: Alabama does not have high enough immunity to eradicate SARS-CoV-2

Immunity levels are keeping state case levels manageable for now, but the current vaccination rate will not end COVID and likely will lead to continued outbreaks.

11 UAB students selected as 2021 Schweitzer Fellows

UAB graduate students will work as yearlong service partners to implement self-developed projects dedicated to improving the health of vulnerable people.

Arrasmith honored with lifetime achievement award by SSOMS

Warren Arrasmith, D.M.D., associate professor and clinic director in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, was honored with the SSOMS Lifetime Achievement Award at the 72nd meeting of the Southeastern Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Lin receives graduate student research award in pediatric dentistry

Yuyin Lin, D.D.S., a third-year resident in pediatric dentistry, has been awarded the prestigious 2021 American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) Graduate Student Research Award (GSRA).

King of the Jungle

Whether it’s hunting big game, treating dental patients, or making a big time philanthropic gift, Dr. Bill Adams (’69) of Albertville, Ala., believes in going all out. Adams recently made an $800,000 planned gift commitment to endow a professorship for the UAB School of Dentistry. The dental school will realize the gift through his estate.

Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Mary Leigh Gillespie – “Just A Big Kid at Heart”

It’s no secret that dentistry is an excellent profession, and most dentists love their jobs. However, most would also agree that much of their four years of dental school were spent grinding, just putting one foot in front of the other to push to the end. Dr. Mary Leigh Gillespie is the exception.

UAB in-person commencement ceremonies at Legion Field are April 30-May 1

At least 1,951 graduates will walk in three ceremonies. Senator James T. “Jabo” Waggoner will be awarded the UAB President’s Medal.

Hassan named associate editor for dentistry publication

Hassan’s new role will be to oversee the peer review of research studies submitted to the journal.

Remembering Dr. Sonia Makhija

Sonia Makhija, DDS, MPH, was integral to the Department of Clinical and Community Sciences and to the National Dental Practice Based Research Network, housed within the UAB School of Dentistry. Having passed away last Fall, she continues to be missed by her colleagues and friends.

Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Clark Browne enjoys giving back

Dr. Clark Browne grew up in Vincent, Ala., a small rural town just outside of Birmingham with a population of about 1400 at the time.

More Stories About Scotty: Dr. Peter Waite shares his memories

McIlwain named ‘Distinguished Alumnus’

Mark McIlwain, D.M.D., M.D., provided leadership in Alabama when the dental profession needed it most – to address the COVID-19 pandemic, while keeping patients and personnel safe and making it possible for practices and the school of dentistry’s clinics to reopen.

‘Outstanding Young Alumnus’ is active in community, organized dentistry

Michelle Dandridge, D.M.D., is active in her community, with organized dentistry, and with the School of Dentistry.

UAB to host in-person commencement at Legion Field on April 30, May 1

All 2020 graduates and spring 2021 graduates are invited to participate. Masks will be required, and there is no limit on guests; but everyone will need to be socially distanced. Parking will be free.

Student chapter hosts signature annual program

The Student National Dental Association (SNDA) chapter at UAB recently hosted one of the school’s leading diversity initiatives.

Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Adolphus Jackson

West Princeton Dental Clinic PC, owned by Dr. Adolphus Jackson, sits quietly tucked away on the west side of Birmingham. It is located on the same property where an Italian-owned grocery store once stood in the West Princeton community where Dr. Jackson was raised.

UAB received more than $325 million in research funding from the National Institutes of Health in 2020

Research funding to UAB from the National Institutes of Health tops $300 million again.

UAB names 2021 President’s Diversity Champion Award winners

Established in 2006, the awards recognize employees, students and organizations that have helped create a more culturally diverse, inclusive university community through their achievements.

Give on March 4 and help UAB care for our community

Donations for Giving Day will make an impact on UAB’s efforts to fight COVID-19, care for pediatric trafficking survivors, support students, provide dental, medical and eye care to those in need, and more.

20 honored for elevating UAB’s shared values

This year, the new President’s Award for Excellence in Shared Values honors Blazers who demonstrated one or more of UAB’s shared values in the course of their work during the extraordinary times presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stories About Scotty

School of Dentistry graduate, retired faculty member, and former Leadership Council member Dr. Wilson Wright, Jr. shares his “Stories About Scotty.”

Passing the baton: Leadership transitions in GPR and AEGD programs

The Russell Wing on the first floor of the UAB Hospital is a special place. Here, faculty and residents of the School of Dentistry’s General Practice Residency (GPR) and Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) programs provide dental care to medically complex patients of all ages.

Alumni association announces endowed scholarship fund in executive director’s honor

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Dentistry’s Alumni Association has established the Scott and Susan Huffman Endowed Scholarship Fund, named in honor of their executive director, J. Scott Huffman, and his wife Susan.

UAB dental student inspired by socio-cultural health course recognized in national diversity essay competition

The Clifton O. Dummett Sr. Essay Competition on Diversity in Dentistry & Dental Education announced the winning essayists on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2021. Jacob Martin, a first year D.M.D. student, won Magna Honors for his submission.

Charles A. “Scotty” McCallum, former UAB president, remembered

UAB’s third president, former Vestavia mayor provided “visionary leadership and dedication to our institution and our community.”

Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Tom Willis – A Lifelong Learner

Each year, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Dentistry graduates enter the field ready to put the knowledge and techniques learned over the previous four years to work. But for Dr. Tom Willis, who graduated from the School of Dentistry in 1977, the school provided him with much more than just dental skills.

Celebrating 31 years of service to the school

Dr. Madelyn Coar has been a valuable part of the School of Dentistry and the Department of Endodontics.

2020: The year in photos

Each year, UAB’s official photographers capture tens of thousands of images as they document the incredible variety of events and personalities that make up our community. Here are some of our favorite photos of some of the most dramatic months in UAB history.