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Texas A&M University College of Dentistry was in the spotlight recently as Dr. Lily T. García, dean, and dental students Jessica Vu and David Qin each received awards at the 55th Annual Session of the American College of Prosthodontists in New Orleans. 

García received the American College of Prosthodontists Education Foundation’s 2025 Founders Society Award, presented in recognition of her significant impact on ACPEF’s growth and her commitment to advancing the prosthodontics specialty. The award honors those who have shown exceptional leadership, vision and service to the foundation and the prosthodontics community.  

García is a former ACP president and a past chair of the ACP Education Foundation Board of Directors. She’s also a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics, a Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists and holds Fellow status with several other dental organizations. Among García’s numerous honors, she is the recipient of the 2004 ACP Educator of the Year Award. 

 “It is truly an honor to receive the American College of Prosthodontists Education Foundation’s 2025 Founders Society Award,” said García. “My commitment to the ACPEF is based on seeing our residents and predoctoral dental students shine on a national stage. At this meeting, it is with immense pride that we witness the success of two of our students, who were recognized for their presentations. Their work reflects the excellence of their scholarship, the dedication of our faculty mentors, and our college’s commitment to advancing prosthodontic education and research.” 

A&M Dentistry third-year dental students Jessica Vu and David Qin placed first and second, respectively, in the poster research competition Speaking Well at the Speak Easy at the same conference. 

Vu won first place for the presentation “Making the Right Call: Implants of FPDs? Rethinking Anterior Maxillary Restorations.” Vu based it on her dental issues and the desire to have a smile she loves. 

“Not every patient will have a clear-cut treatment plan,” she said. “What drew me to prosthodontics was the careful planning that surrounds a complex case and how we can use our knowledge to help a patient achieve a better quality of life with a smile that is not only functional, but one they can be proud to show off.” 

Qin won second place for “A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Roadmap for Hereditary Dentin Disorders: What Every Prosthodontist Should Know.” 

“What drew me to the field of prosthodontics is the depth and breadth of restorative techniques it offers and the opportunity to learn and utilize them to enhance patients’ lives,” Qin said. “To me, prosthodontics integrates advanced problem-solving and technical skills to provide a challenging yet extraordinarily rewarding experience.” 

 The dental college is in Dallas.