Alumni reconnect at Texas Reception - Stories - Alumni

A trio of singers perform on a stage. — Reception guests were treated to a museum tour that told the story of the American experience in the last World War, along with dinner and a show. Photo by Sarah Flores-Lewis.

As a part of SmileCon 2024, the annual meeting of the American Dental Association, UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry alumni were invited to an evening of reunion and a journey through history at the Texas Reception on Oct. 16.

A multi-institutional affair, former students and professionals from dental schools across Texas gathered at the World War II Museum in New Orleans as part of their time at SmileCon 2024.

Guests were treated to a museum tour that told the story of the American experience in the last World War, along with dinner and a show. In addition to the entertainment, individuals had the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, meet new professionals, and continue some of the conversations about the field of dentistry at-large from the convention.

“The reception was very enjoyable,” said alumnus John Krell, DDS ’89. “The World War II exhibit, museum, and memorabilia was remarkable, and the dinner and a show was excellent. In addition, it was great to see colleagues, classmates, and contemporaries.

“The stories brought back memories of the pink brick building and the wax-up for the state boards.”

The reception offered a break from the happenings of SmileCon, which included continuing dental education, networking opportunities, hundreds of exhibitors, and social events.

“I was glad to be able to meet and share ideas with some of the other Texas dental school representatives,” Krell said. “Visiting with Dr. Tommy Harrison and Dean John Valenza about the School of Dentistry and the state of dental affairs in Texas was a bonus.”

For Krell, along with revisiting his time in dental school, he was also able to relive one of his early dental meetings by being in the same place he was many years ago when it took place. Joining him was his older brother, Billy, a 1976 School of Dentistry alumnus, who was a source of inspiration to become a dentist.

“On a side note, it was a real special meeting for me because one of my first ADA dental meetings was in New Orleans in the early nineties. My brother, Billy, and I also attended that meeting together, so it was great to be back at another one in New Orleans with him. It’s hard to believe that my first one was almost 35 years ago.”

SmileCon 2025 will be hosted Oct. 23-25 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry alumni are encouraged to attend.