UAB Dentistry

10/09/2025

Jeremy Chu knows what it’s like to sit in the clinic chair. His first filling came from his sister when she was a UAB dental student.

Now Jeremy is a D3 himself, providing care to patients from across Alabama and learning the art of dentistry at UAB.

He says: “I enjoy having that interaction between provider and patient. We’re able to do something for the patient to help them and make them happy. That’s one of the things I really like about dentistry.”

Read his story: https://buff.ly/fIekGHv

10/08/2025

Growth doesn’t happen by accident - it takes time, intention, and teamwork.

Yesterday, we hit pause on our regular operations to invest in what makes us strong - our people. Through another impactful day of EXCEL (EXcellence through Continued Enrichment and Learning), our faculty and staff engaged in focused training sessions aimed at advancing both professional development and the patient experience.

Take a look at some of the moments that reflect our ongoing dedication to growth, collaboration, and top-tier oral health care:

10/06/2025

Closure Announcement📣: All UAB Dentistry clinics will be closed on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 for faculty and staff training.

Current patients (patients of record) with dental emergencies during this closure should follow the instructions listed in the after-hours care section of our Emergency Care page:
https://buff.ly/w3m7Vti

10/02/2025

🦷 Did you know your gums and your blood sugar are connected?

UAB Dentistry’s Dr. Mia Geisinger shares how these conditions affect each other—and why caring for your mouth can help protect your overall health.

Protect your smile and your health. Learn more: https://buff.ly/J3q0ArK

09/24/2025

Last week, we partnered with TeamSmile for a special community outreach event at Bartow Arena that provided dental care and education to nearly 200 children from across central Alabama.

With the support of our dedicated students, residents, faculty, and staff, the day was filled with compassion, learning, and lots of smiles. For many of the children, it was one of their first experiences at the dentist - and our team made sure it was a positive and welcoming one.

The event wasn’t just about dental care... it was also about connection. Music, games, face painting, and a dancing tooth mascot helped create a fun and joyful environment the kids won’t soon forget!

We extend our sincere thanks to Drs. Mazer and Cheon, Ms. Sherry Campbell and the planning team for making this all possible. We also couldn't have done with this without all of our dedicated faculty, staff, students, residents, and our valued community partners and volunteers who gave their time to make this event a success.

At UAB Dentistry, service is at the heart of what we do - and we’re proud to support the health and happiness of our community, one smile at a time. 💚

Learn more: https://buff.ly/31VznwJ

09/18/2025

Dr. Amber Were helps children feel safe and cared for. Her gentle approach and clear communication make visits easier for families. As a resident in the Finn Pediatric Dentistry, she works with parents and children to build healthy habits and positive experiences that last.

Meet Dr. Were: https://buff.ly/iuQaLvM

09/08/2025

If you've visited our Urgent/Limited Care Clinic, you may have met Angela Strickland, one of the friendly faces helping to make your visit smooth and comfortable!

Angela is a Dental Assistant II and has been part of the UAB Dentistry team for nearly three years. She helps prepare the clinic each day, assists with x-rays and panoramic imaging, keeps everything clean and organized, and supports our faculty, students and residents, and patients in the clinic.

Angela says one of her favorite parts of the job is meeting and caring for people from all walks of life. Her compassion and dedication shine through in everything she does and we’re so grateful to have her on our team!

09/05/2025

For Dr. Heath Padgett, orthodontics is where science, strategy, and service meet. After earning his DMD at UAB, he chose to continue his training in the UAB Orthodontics clinic — where you'll see him helping patients transform their smiles and build confidence.

Now in his second year of residency at UAB, he thrives on the intellectual challenge of each case while staying rooted in patient-centered care. His decision to pursue training at UAB was inspired by the program’s strong sense of community — a place where residents lift each other up and grow together. He believes the true reward of orthodontics lies not only in aligning teeth but in seeing the transformation of confidence and joy that a new smile brings.

Equally accomplished outside the classroom, Dr. Padgett invests deeply in Birmingham through volunteer service and nonprofit leadership. His academic and professional excellence have been recognized with top honors such as the Alumni Award for Leadership, the ASDA Award of Excellence, and the Alabama Dental Association Award for Student Leadership.

With aspirations to open a private practice, remain engaged in organized dentistry, and mentor the next generation of dental professionals, Dr. Padgett embodies the balance of achievement, service, and vision that defines the future of the field.

09/02/2025

Behind every smile is a team that cares deeply.

At UAB School of Dentistry, our students, residents, staff, and faculty bring passion and heart to everything they do - especially in our clinics.

So this week, we’re celebrating the people who make our school more than just a place - a living, breathing community shaped by smiles, shared goals, and big energy.

Swipe through and see the faces behind the care.

08/29/2025

Closure Announcement📣: All UAB Dentistry clinics will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025 in recognition of Labor Day. Normal operations will resume Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

Current patients (patients of record) with dental emergencies during this closure should follow the instructions listed in the after-hours care section of our Emergency Care page:
https://buff.ly/aWWhG92

08/25/2025

Sixteen years in neuroscience research kept Jinah Kim focused on the brain — but her heart led her to dentistry.

Now a residents in the UAB Dentistry Endodontics Clinic, she’s turning years of scientific discovery into hands-on care, helping patients find relief and preserve their smiles.

Read more about her remarkable journey here:

After 16 years of peering into neurons, Jinah Kim, MS, PhD, DMD, was ready for a change. So she began peering into patients’ mouths instead.

08/18/2025

This past weekend’s 19th Annual Dental Hygiene Symposium and Hinman Lectures brought together over 1,200 dental professionals from across the state dedicated to advancing their skills and knowledge and it all reflects one thing: our commitment to YOU - patients in Alabama.

At UAB Dentistry, we’re always learning, growing, and innovating to ensure you receive the highest quality care. Events like this prove that our team is not just passionate about oral health - we’re passionate about your health.

Thank you for trusting us with your smile! 😊