Table of Contents
Special Section
School of Dental Hygiene
Celebrates 50 Years of Service
The University of Texas School of Dental Hygiene celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2005 - a celebration of half the number of years as the UT Dental Branch at Houston - but nonetheless purposeful and exciting.
A student in one of the early classes of the UT School of Dental Hygiene focuses on cleaning a patient's teeth. The first class at the School of Dental Hygiene enrolled in 1955.
The University of Texas System Board of Regents authorized the creation of the School of Dental Hygiene in 1945, but it wasn't until 1955 that the school enrolled its first class of 21 students - all women. To date, eight men have graduated from the program, and one is enrolled now.
The School of Dental Hygiene operates under the umbrella of the UT Dental Branch and is located in the same building, benefiting from 100 years of experience in dentistry. Nina Bay Infante, registered dental hygienist, has served as the dental hygiene director since 1993 and has facilitated much of the growth and activity within the school.
Those who have graduated from the Dental Branch as hygienists think of their school days fondly and are thankful for the many benefits of their profession, which they say can be attributed to the comprehensive education they received at UT.
According to School of Dental Hygiene alumni, the starting salary for hygienists is fairly competitive to other entry-level health care positions and the hours are extremely flexible, allowing you to work from one to five days a week. Most hygienists set their own schedule or have designated days that they see patients in the office.
"I came into hygiene school not even fully understanding what a hygienist was," said Betty Waedemon, class of 1971. "But I graduated from UT with a great sense of accomplishment and pride in my profession."
Waedemon said there was much that made her years in dental hygiene school a delight, but the instructors made the most lasting impression. "We had the type of instructors that really made learning fun," she said.
She added that she enjoyed her experience so much so that since graduating she has continued to visit the school, talking to students and serving on various committees. "In fact, I probably participate more now in what is going on than I did when I was there."
Dental hygiene students Nancy Tran, left, and Susan Vo show children how to properly brush their teeth during a mission trip in Mexico during Spring Break 2005. Dental hygiene students Jamie Fanning-Rojas and Alma Rodriguez also attended. The trip was arranged by Fanning-Rojas' father, James W. Fleming, D.D.S., a Dental Branch alumnus and dentist in McAllen.
Debbie Simecek, class of 1976, said she was encouraged by an orthodontist to study dental hygiene. "I always knew I wanted to do something in the field of service and that is exactly what I found," she said. "This career has truly been a blessing."
Simecek said the school's most memorable characteristic was the camaraderie and closeness of the student body. "I always appreciated how everyone pulled together to work as a team."
Simecek graduated when only a two-year certificate was available from the school and applauds the school's recent move to offer a Bachelor of Science degree, saying that the option will allow graduates so many more opportunities in life. The first 10 students to enroll in the B.S. program graduated in 2004.
Along with study, the students also knew how to relax and have a good time, according to Cheryl Burke, class of 1973. Burke said her favorite memory is of a party the class attended after acing the national boards. They had worked hard and deserved to kick back and relax.
In honor of the school's 50th anniversary, the Dental Hygiene Alumni Association, headed by association president Harold Henson, who is also an assistant professor at the school, will host an anniversary bash in September.
With the school progressing each year - expanding its programs, winning awards, raising endowed scholarships and serving the community - it is sure to be an out-of-sight celebration.