The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry was well represented at the 2025 Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) Scientific Session in Montreal, Canada, with students and faculty earning multiple national recognitions for excellence in research, education, and service.

Eight students – Katherine Cecile, Camella Clark, Luke Denton, Ali Nazari, Anton Poznyak, Edwin Rojas, and Hanna Sepsick – presented research posters, earning awards for excellence in scientific research and systematic review. Faculty members Dr. Toni Tien Neumeier and Dr. Elyse Dengler were recognized during the AGD Convocation for their professional achievements, receiving the Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition (LLSR) and Fellowship (FAGD), respectively. UAB alumna Dr. Wendy Holder (’87) also received her second LLSR award, underscoring the school’s continued leadership in general dentistry and lifelong learning.

Neumeier Honored with AGD Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition

Toni Neumeier, DMD, MAGD, a retired full-time faculty  member now serving as an adjunct associate professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences and a longtime leader in continuing education and student mentorship, was awarded the prestigious Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition (LLSR) by the AGD. The LLSR is one of the organization’s highest honors, recognizing dentists who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to lifelong learning, volunteerism, and service to the profession.

Neumeier, who earned her Mastership in the AGD (MAGD) in 2010, has served in numerous leadership roles within the organization, including as Alabama AGD president and as a member of the Fellowship Examination Committee and Scientific Meeting Council. She also serves as faculty advisor to the UAB AGD Student Chapter, which was recently named national chapter of the year

“One of my colleagues, Dr. Wendy Holder from Alabama AGD, started a Master Track program and invited me to be the first speaker for it,” Neumeier shared. “The program started with nine participants, and their enthusiasm inspired me to complete all the requirements for the LLSR.”

In addition to her teaching and advisory roles, Neumeier is a frequent presenter at CE events and recently led a session on digital techniques in implant dentistry at the 2025 UAB Dentistry Update

She continues to champion professional development and encourages others to give back through service.

“Receiving an award or certification from an organization like AGD is a statement that you’ve spent time and worked harder to be a better dentist,” she said. “If you’ve already received the MAGD, I encourage you to volunteer—whether nationally or locally. The rewards of service are not something that can be purchased, but they leave a permanent, positive mark on someone’s life.”

Dengler Earns AGD Fellowship

Also recognized during the session was Elyse Dengler, DMD, assistant professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences and interim assistant director of the Comprehensive Care Clinic, who received the AGD Fellowship (FAGD). The FAGD is awarded to general dentists who have completed at least 500 hours of continuing education, passed a rigorous exam, and maintained AGD membership for three consecutive years.

 Dengler is known for her commitment to patient-centered care and professional growth. She teaches across multiple levels of the DMD curriculum, including foundational and clinical integration courses such as Entry Level Clinical Skills (D1), Dental Coding (D2), and Clinical Integration (D2). Her dedication to student success is reflected in her hands-on mentorship and her commitment to preparing students for clinical excellence and lifelong learning.

 “Becoming a Fellow reflects my commitment to lifelong learning and delivering the highest standard of care to patients,” Dengler said. “It’s an honor to be part of a community that values growth, service, and excellence in general dentistry.”

Student Success at AGD Poster Competition

The AGD Scientific Session also featured a competitive e-Poster program for students and residents. This year, seven abstracts were submitted from UAB, and five were selected among the top 12 for in-person oral presentation and competition. UAB students earned two first-place awards and one second-place award, continuing a strong tradition of excellence—having won awards in five of the past six years.

 “We had a day where we presented our research in front of judges and later shared it with AGD members from across the country,” said SOD student and conference participant Maria Picardo Velasquez. “It was a great opportunity to learn more about joining AGD as a dentist and to connect with vendors and dental companies from all over.”

Award Winners:

• Camella Clarke and Katherine Cecile – 1st place, Scientific/Clinical Research
  Title: Shear Bond Strength to 3D-Printed Crown After Various Surface Treatments
• Anton Poznyak and Ali Nazari – 1st place, Systematic Literature Review
  Title: Artificial Intelligence in Interproximal Caries Detection: A Review
• Luke Denton and Edwin Rojas – 2nd place, Systematic Literature Review
  Title: Balancing Efficacy and Safety of Commonly Used Endodontic Irrigants

Winners were recognized during the AGD Convocation and received monetary awards for their achievements.

The session also highlighted the value of service and mentorship within the AGD community. UAB alumna Dr. Wendy Holder, who received her second LLSR award this year, reflected on the impact of volunteering alongside students:

“The LLSR is not earned by just participation hours but also by dental voluntarism,” she said. “Having the opportunity to work with our AGD student chapter at the Lovelady Center provided many of those one hundred service hours that were needed. It also provided an excellent opportunity to share stories of ‘real world’ dentistry and hopefully encouraged the students to consider private practices and rural area needs.”