In a statement released by the Governor’s office, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has made a new round of appointments to the State Board of Dental Examiners. Heading the board as chair is Bryan Henderson, II, D.D.S., a Dallas-based dentist, anesthesiologist, and clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M University School of Dentistry. His multifaceted career includes board positions at Woodhill Medical Park and the Orange Tree Association. According to the Office of the Texas Governor announcement, his expertise is further solidified by previous leadership roles, such as past president of the American Society of Dental Anesthesiologists.
Joining Henderson are appointees Janessa Bock and Lisa Masters, D.D.S., along with the reappointment of Linda Burke, D.D.S. Each member is set to serve until February 1, 2031. Bock, with her background firmly rooted in dental hygiene, is also a founder and managing partner of Oral Health Consultants, LLC. Masters is recognized as a part-time faculty member at UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry and is notably to continue serving as the president of the prestigious American Academy of Periodontology Foundation. Burke brings to the table a wealth of pediatric dentistry experience, paired with her business acumen as the owner of Burke Children’s Dentistry.
Henderson has amassed considerable qualifications, including his educational journey, which started with a Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin and culminated in a certificate in anesthesia from what is now Drexel University Hospital. Bock’s trajectory in dental hygiene shines through her academic credentials, such as her Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from Amarillo College. Masters earned her stripes with a Doctor of Dental Surgery and a Master of Science from The UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, while Burke’s foundational Bachelor of Science in Biology was obtained from St. Mary’s University.
The State Board of Dental Examiners is a critical body that ensures the implementation of dental laws and regulations, and with these new appointments, the Governor’s office seems confident in its ability to thoroughly manage the sector. For Texas residents concerned about oral health and patient safety, the composition of this board is an indicator of the state’s commitment to upholding the integrity of dental practice statewide.
