The University of Texas
Dental Branch at Houston A Part of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Dean's Podcast: Episode 1

Interim Dean John Valenza, D.D.S., introduces himself and discusses personnel changes, the Dental Branch building project, and the mission to define and become the best dental school in the world. (Running time 5:27).

Dean's Podcast: Episode 2

In this episode, Dr. Valenza takes viewers to the roof of the Dental Branch for an up-close look at the granite cladding that broke loose earlier this year, leading to the construction of safety covers at all entrances. And he looks at UTDB from a fresh perspective, discussing the future and a vision for innovations and growth in patient care, research and education. (Running time 4:39).

Dean's Podcast: Episode 3

In this episode, Dr. Valenza takes viewers to the schools Clinical Simulation Clinic — the first in the world to incorporate electronic patient records, multi-media and mannequins in an actual clinic setting. While dental education has used simulation (mannequins with mechanical jaws and plastic teeth) for many years, the contemporary version of simulation has become high tech, and instructors also use a variety of electronic tools to deliver content to students. Meet three UTDB faculty members who discuss how they use the Clinical Simulation Clinic and how their students benefit from being able to hone skills in a realistic setting. (Running time 4:34)..

Dean's Podcast: Episode 4

In this episode, Dental Branch students “hijack” V-flash to tell the world about the student experience at UTDB. Two student hosts ask classmates and faculty a variety of questions, such as how they would describe their best and worst days in dental school, and what they would do if they could be dean for a day. Faculty members featured include Dr. Jerry Bouquot, Dr. C.D. Johnson and Dr. Nadarajah Vigneswaran. (Running time 5:31).