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Students, faculty, and alumni from the UT San Antonio School of Dentistry represented the institution at the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Annual Session and Exhibition in Montreal, Canada, in late March, participating in poster sessions and engaging panel discussions.

The theme of this year’s conference was Bridging Pathways, Advancing Access, a call to action that reflects the profession's unique position at the intersection of health equity, social justice and emerging technology. As ADEA described it, this is a moment where the ideals that trailblazers in oral health education have championed for over 100 years meet the transformative potential of today — moving forward as an inclusive community built on creativity, collaboration and hope.

Among those representing the School was fourth-year dental student Gabriella "Gabby" Ward, who earned second place in the ADEA 2026 Student Poster Presentations. Her poster, Advancing Teachers' Oral Health Empowerment Through Technology to Build Healthier Communities, was developed in collaboration with Mario Duran of Edgewood ISD and Alvin Estachio, with mentorship from School of Dentistry faculty, Dana English, EdD, MS, RDH; and .

This recognition at ADEA adds to a remarkable stretch of achievements for Gabby. She recently received the Outstanding Poster by a Trainee award, 2nd Place, at the UT Shine Academy's 2026 Innovations in Health Education Conference. The Shine Academy serves the University of Texas System by supporting and promoting excellence across all aspects of health science education, including educational research, scholarship and leadership. Earlier in the academic year, Gabby was also named a recipient of the 2025 International College of Dentists – Washington University Dental Alumni Association Scholarship.

“I’m honored that these awards help bring visibility to efforts aimed at improving oral health in San Antonio classrooms. Children in Title I schools are disproportionately affected by oral disease, and initiatives like this play a key role in addressing that gap,” said Gabby about her awards and poster presentation.

“Collaborating with Gabby since her first year of dental school, I have witnessed her exceptional commitment to growth, professionalism and patient care. Her recognition with the prestigious ADEA award is a distinguished achievement in academic dentistry. Her selection as the only dental student to receive one of two trainee awards at the Shine Academy, an organization dedicated to educational research, scholarship and leadership, is a remarkable honor that further reflects her strong work ethic and consistent ability to exceed expectations. I am confident she will make a lasting and meaningful impact on the profession of dentistry,” said Dr. Farokhi.

Service has always been central to Gabby's path in dentistry. Following her graduation in May, she looks forward to continuing her academic journey as a General Practice Resident at the Marquette University School of Dentistry, where she will further develop her clinical skills, grow as a leader, and continue serving diverse communities.

Please join the UT San Antonio School of Dentistry in congratulating Gabby on her outstanding achievements and upcoming graduation!