Alumni News

2023 UAB School of Dentistry graduates ready to take next step in their journey

Two of a Kind: Inspiring story of lifelong friendship began at UAB School of Dentistry

Alumni Nelson and Carlson forged a lifetime bond as dental students in the 1950s.

75 Years of Memories: Remembering Dr. Joseph F. Volker

The School of Dentistry’s first dean also was UAB’s first president.

Alumni Spotlight: Mississippi native has fond memories of Birmingham and UAB School of Dentistry

About seven miles west of the Alabama/Mississippi state line is the town of Scooba, Miss., boasting a population of 732 according to the 2010 census. And until he entered his ninth grade year in 1960, Scooba was home to UAB School of Dentistry alumnus Dr. Don Weaver.

75 years of Memories: Dentala yearbook provides accounting of the UAB School of Dentistry inaugural graduating class of 1952

There are two unusual bonds that bind the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry’s Class of 1952. First, all 50 graduates of that class were military veterans, and most had served in some capacity in World War II.

Dr. Eric Wu – Built from Scratch

In today’s world of multi-media, social media, and bright lights, you’ll be hard pressed to find a thriving dental practice that doesn’t have its own web site. If you start searching for Dr. Jiann-Jang “Eric” Wu’s endodontic practice in Winter Park, Florida you won’t find a website, because he’s never had one.

UAB School of Dentistry Alumni Weekend: Back to Breaking Records

The School of Dentistry Alumni Association’s 2023 Alumni Weekend was another huge success, with more than 1,900 total participants.

UAB School of Dentistry Honors Alumni with Awards

The UAB School of Dentistry kicked off its 75^th anniversary on February 2, 2023 in conjunction with the school’s alumni association Alumni Weekend in Birmingham, Ala. One of the highlights of the weekend was the presentation of two special alumni awards.

Arrasmith turned a dental injury into a dental career

An injury on the football field led to a career in dentistry for Warren Arrasmith, D.M.D.

Kase maintains connection with Ukrainian dental journal despite conflict

Not long after arriving at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry in 2017, Michael Kase DMD struck up an Instagram collaboration with an overseas oral surgeon, Eugene Fresenko PhD, who that same year was helping start a new dental journal.

Sonya Mitchell is retiring from the School of Dentistry to enter new phase of her career

A mere 25 years after graduating from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry, Sonya Mitchell D.M.D., M.S.H.A., is about to enter private practice.

UAB SOD loses a ‘gentle soul’ with passing of longtime faculty member Perng-Ru Liu

The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry recently lost a longtime and beloved faculty member with the passing of Perng-Ru Liu, DMD, DDS, MS.

Alumni Weekend to kick off school’s 75th anniversary celebration

UAB School of Dentistry’s annual Alumni Weekend, February 2-5, 2023, will kick off the school’s yearlong 75th anniversary celebration.

Dr. Bill Reeder – Cross Country

One might say Dr. O. William “Bill” Reeder, Jr. (’71) has taken the scenic route throughout his life. That not only surmises his professional life but his choice of residences as well. Born in Andalusia, AL and raised in Luverne, the UAB School of Dentistry alumnus was influenced to pursue a dental career by long-time Luverne dentist and also UAB alumnus, Dr. Billy Beall. “The UAB School of Dentistry had a great reputation. I thought my education was fair but very tough and my education put me in a position where I could make a difference,” said Reeder.

UAB School of Dentistry Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Wayne Prim

Dothan and dentistry through and through

Dr. Wayne Prim has always loved making beautiful things with his hands. Before he discovered dentistry, he was interested in pursuing a career as an architect.

Catching up with Dr. Milton Essig and his unique retirement adventures

Anyone who knows Dr. Milton Essig (Class of ’70), knows his attention to detail and his love of dentistry. During his thirty five years as a UAB School of Dentistry faculty member, he trained hundreds of UAB students, and even more through organized dentistry.

Chavali to join International Dentist Program leadership team

Ramakiran Chavali, B.D.S., M.S., has been appointed Assistant Director of the International Dentist Program (IDP) in the UAB School of Dentistry effective September 1.

UAB School of Dentistry Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Michelle Ireland

An inspiring mission trip turns into a passion for practice

UAB School of Dentistry celebrates legacy of beloved instructor through endowment

Bryant G. “Don” Speed, D.M.D., a beloved instructor who taught in the UAB School of Dentistry Department of Orthodontics, passed away in 2014.

UAB School of Dentistry Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Bruce Young

A self-confessed continuing-education junkie, Young says it’s an exciting time to be a dentist

Alumni Association presents Fuller Award to Dr. John Anderson

John P. Anderson, DMD of Rainsville, Ala was named the 2022 H. Moren Fuller Award winner by the University of Alabama School of Dentistry Alumni Association.

Stories About Scotty: Two alumni share their stories

I was recently reminded of the presence Dr. Charles A. “Scotty” McCallum, Jr. commanded during Alumni Weekend. Just his presence was a reassurance that we were doing well and our dental school is the best.

Alumni Spotlight: Making History at the School of Dentistry – Dr. Karen Clements-Crunk

In 1965, Karen Fox walked into her first day of classes at the University Of Alabama School Of Dentistry in Birmingham, Alabama. She was the only woman in the room. In fact, she was the only woman in her entire class of 52 students.

Taking Care of Business: A message from the Alumni Association Executive Director

Scott Huffman reflects on his time with UAB and relationships like the one with Oral Arts.