Bulletin of Dental Education Article

Erica Teixeira, D.D.S., Ph.D., M.S., and Fabricio Teixeira, D.D.S., Ph.D., M.S., joined Texas A&M University College of Dentistry (Texas A&M Dentistry) in July. Dr. Erica Teixeira takes the leadership reins as the head of the Texas A&M Dentistry Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, and Dr. Fabricio Teixeira is the new head of the Department of Endodontics. 

Fabricio Teixeira, D.D.S., Ph.D., M.S., and Erica Teixeira, D.D.S., Ph.D., M.S.

Previously, they served as department executive officers of operative dentistry and endodontics, respectively, at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics (UI COD) in Iowa City, IA. 

 “We are fortunate to recruit two outstanding faculty to lead distinct departments at A&M Dentistry,” said Lily T. García, D.D.S., M.S., FACP, Texas A&M Dentistry Dean. “It is especially true that the timing of having two executive leadership searches for two different department heads, the departments of comprehensive dentistry and endodontics, created a unique opportunity for both highly respected faculty leaders.” 

Dr. Erica Teixeira is a third-generation dentist. In her new role, she oversees the education of more than 400 dental students who care for patients under the supervision of licensed faculty. The Texas A&M Dentistry Department of Comprehensive Dentistry also includes 10 residents in the three-year advanced education program in prosthodontics and three in the advanced education in general dentistry program.  

Dr. Erica Teixeira plans to collaborate with faculty and staff to strengthen educational programs, implementing evidence-based practice approaches and innovation. She said, “I look forward to serving at Texas A&M University, where so much growth is happening. We are here to serve the community. I would like the public to see us and know we are the place for top dental care.”  

The program welcomed 21 new part-time and full-time faculty members, including recent Texas A&M Dentistry graduates in prosthodontics. 

Dr. Erica Teixeira replaces Bernard J. Hennessy, D.D.S., MAGD, ABGD, who retired in July.  

In addition to her role as department executive officer at UI COD, Dr. Erica Teixeira served as an associate professor and was named a professor in 2024. Prior to that, she was an assistant professor at the UT Health San Antonio Health Science Center for six years.  

A fellow of the International College of Dentists, she’s an alumna of the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine program. Dr. Erica Teixeira also serves on the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs and is vice chair of the ADA Seal of Acceptance committee. She’s president-elect of the Women in Science Network of the International Association for Dental Research and a CODA site visitor.  

Dr. Fabricio Teixeira was recruited after an 11-year tenure at UI COD, where he chaired the endodontics department and held the Richard E. Walton Endowed Professorship. He also served as director of the advanced program for more than four years.  

Dr. Fabricio Teixeira was invited to speak in 2024 at the Texas A&M’s Dean’s Distinguished Lecturer Series in Dallas, TX, and visited with Dean García, a colleague from both UT Health San Antonio Health Science Center and the University of Iowa. Before his tenure at UI COD, Dr. Fabricio Teixeira was an associate professor and residency program director at the health science center, the same school where Dr. Fabricio Teixeira earned his endodontic certificate. 

“At this stage in my academic career, I seek to work with someone I know and trust,” he said. “I am confident in Dean García’s leadership and her ability to advance the school. Having worked with her at two respected institutions, I can attest to her professionalism. I am committed to serving my peers in endodontics and the broader college community.” 

Dean García became Texas A&M Dentistry’s 17th dental college dean in October 2022. In addition to hiring Drs. Erica and Fabricio Teixeira, she recruited new leaders for public health sciences and biomedical sciences over the past year.  

Deborah Foyle, D.D.S., M.S., M.Sc., has served as interim department head of endodontics since September 2022 and continues in the same role for the periodontics department.  

“I appreciate Dr. Foyle’s dedication and her efforts in supporting the department and providing valuable insights into its operations,” said Dr. Fabricio Teixeira.  

The 27-month endodontics certificate program includes eight graduate students. The program is recognized for its research achievements, and Fabricio Teixeira highlighted the strong leadership of Poorya Jalali, D.D.S., clinical associate professor and program director, and Jordan Schweitzer, D.D.S., M.S., clinical associate professor and predoctoral program director.  

“I am committed to supporting the department and advancing A&M’s presence at national and international forums,” he said. “We will achieve this together.” 

Dr. Fabricio Teixeira has held several positions with the American Association of Endodontists and serves as secretary of the International Association of Dental Traumatology, also sitting on its board of directors. He’s also a CODA Commissioner and chairs the Endodontics Review Committee.  

Courtesy of Texas A&M University College of Dentistry