The UAB SOD alumni association announced the recipients of the 2024 Distinguished Dentist Awards during Alumni Weekend February 6-9, 2025.

A prestigious honor, the Distinguished Dentist Awards are presented annually to recognize two outstanding alumni who have made significant contributions to the field of dentistry, their communities, and the UAB School of Dentistry. The recipients are selected based on their leadership, service, and dedication to the profession. This year’s Distinguished Dentist Committee was chaired by Dr. Bruce Cunningham (‘76).

A Lifetime of Service: Dr. Gaines Thomas

The 2024 Distinguished Alumnus Award was presented to Dr. Gaines Thomas of Mobile, Alabama. Thomas's career spans over four decades, marked by significant contributions to the dental profession and his community. A 1976 graduate, Thomas completed a Pediatric Residency at UAB and has since become a pillar of the dental community.

Thomas has held numerous leadership positions, including alumni association president, the Alabama Dental Association, the Alabama Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry. He is a fellow in the American College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Dedicated to his alma mater, Thomas has played a pivotal role in fundraising efforts, helping to raise significant funds for the school. He continues to mentor students, residents, and young alumni, leaving a lasting impact on future generations of dentists.

“I want to thank the school and the alumni association for what a fine job you do,” says Thomas. “I have always been proud to support the efforts and look forward to seeing the school’s future plans take shape.”

Of Thomas, UAB School of Dentistry dean Nicolaas Geurs, D.D.S., M.S., says, "The Distinguished Alumnus Award is the highest honor the School of Dentistry can bestow upon an alumnus. One has only to look at the list of past recipients to understand the impact they have had on our profession, and Dr. Thomas is no different.”

“Dr. Thomas has been a pillar of our community and an example of excellence in the dental profession for many years. His unwavering commitment to our school and his mentorship of future generations of dentists are invaluable."

Thomas's influence extends beyond dentistry. He is actively involved in various Mobile charities and organizations and is a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. He is also an avid supporter of Auburn University, where he remains engaged in alumni activities.

A Rising Star in Dentistry: Dr. Austyn Grissom

Dr. Austyn Grissom of Fairhope, Alabama, was honored with the 2024 Outstanding Young Alumnus Award. Grissom's journey is a testament to dedication and excellence. A native of Piedmont, Alabama, he graduated from Auburn University before earning his D.M.D. from UAB in 2018. His time at UAB was marked by leadership, serving as Vice President of his class and meeting his future wife.

After practicing general dentistry, Grissom pursued an endodontic residency at the University of Texas at Houston School of Dentistry. Today, he owns and operates Grissom Endodontics and Microsurgery in Daphne, while his wife practices orthodontics on the Eastern Shore. Their shared passion for dentistry and commitment to their community is evident in their professional and personal lives.

Reflecting on his time as a student, as well as its impact on his early career and desire to give back, Grissom says, “One of the things that I remember from a first year was Dr. Mitchell and Dr. McMillan got all the dental students from the fifth district and brought us together. They took us under their wing and really made us feel like we had that dentist and that person we could rely on and reach out to. That type of community, that's really what it's all about here in Alabama.”

Grissom's achievements extend beyond his practice. He is an active member of the Alabama Dental Association and the Alabama Association of Endodontists. Currently, he serves as President Elect of the Mobile Area Dental Society and Chair of the Resident and New Practitioner Committee with the American Association of Endodontists, where he also holds a seat on the Board of Directors. His contributions to research have earned him the title of Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics, a distinction held by less than 25% of endodontists nationwide.

"Dr. Grissom's dedication to the field of dentistry and his remarkable achievements in a short time are truly inspiring. He is truly one of our rising stars and embodies the spirit of excellence that we strive to instill in all our students,” said Geurs.

“Our school is proud to honor Dr. Grissom and Dr. Thomas for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the field of dentistry and their communities. Their stories of dedication, leadership, and service are an inspiration to us all.”

Held the first weekend in February, Alumni Weekend is one of the largest dental meetings in the state. The 2025 gathering drew participants from 12 states, from California to New Hampshire, highlighting its national significance.