Restorative Dentistry and Biomaterials | UTHealth School of Dentistry

The Department of Restorative Dentistry & Biomaterials was organized and named in 1998. Prior to that date, the department was entitled General Dentistry and General Practice, among other names. The department, while now emphasizing both restorative dentistry and biomaterials science, has also taught disciplines including: behavioral sciences, dental anatomy, community dentistry, dental public health, preventive dentistry, occlusion, diagnosis, general practice clinical dentistry, operative dentistry, esthetic dentistry, practice relations and management, and radiology.

Past chairs of the department have included: Drs. Arthur H. Jeske; Peter T. Triolo, Jr.; Rudolph J. Fulton; Robert Kaminsky; Ralph Frankson; Joe L. Cheatham; James K. Foster; George W. Walker; George H. T. French; James E. Armstrong; and James D. O’Farrell. Prior to reorganization, there were numerous other chairs of other component departments.

In 1987, the department admitted its first residents in the General Practice Residency (affiliated with Memorial Hermann Healthcare System). Directors have included: Drs. John Valenza, Denise Armstrong, Kelly Peters, Joel Napenas, Robert Mayhew and Raymond Simmons. In 1995, the department admitted its first residents in Advanced Education in General Dentistry. Directors have included: Drs. Richard Bebermeyer, Sheila Koh, Pamela Minke, Robert Mayhew and Sudarat Kiat-amnuay. These two programs, both accredited by the American Dental Association, continue to educate together approximately ten residents per year.