Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas recently presented faculty awards to Drs. Feng Tao, Rashmi Hegde and Janna Burnett. The awards are bestowed upon those who demonstrate strong leadership, professionalism, and a commitment to educating dental students, dental hygiene students, graduate students and specialists.
Each winner was nominated by the faculty. Awards were given Dec. 17 at George W. Bush Presidential Library during the A&M Dentistry annual faculty retreat.
“Our mission is to advance excellence in education, leadership and service, and Drs. Tao, Hegde and Burnett embody all three,” said Dr. Lily T. Garcìa, A&M Dentistry dean. “Their dedication to teaching and mentoring students strengthens our academic community and advances the future of dentistry.”
Tao, professor and associate department head in biomedical sciences, is an internationally recognized specialist in pain management and neuroscience. He received A&M Dentistry’s Premier Performance Award in Service for 2025 for his leadership and service at every level – departmental, college, university and beyond.
Tao is the chair of A&M Dentistry’s College Research Committee and the Seminar Planning Committee. Outside of A&M Dentistry, He’s an elected member of the Board of Directors of the Texas Pain Research Consortium and served on the United States Association for the Study of Pain’s awards committee.
“He has secured over $7 million in research funding, published extensively, served on editorial boards and National Institutes of Health study sessions,” said Maureen Brown, clinical assistant professor and interim executive director of the dental hygiene program. “His mentorship has shaped future leaders in science, and his commitment to service and excellence makes him truly deserving of this award.”
Brown is chair of the Faculty Development Committee’s awards subcommittee.
“I am honored to be the recipient of the Premier Performance Award in Service,” Tao said. “Since I joined our school in 2014, I have been actively participating in different professional service activities at national and international levels.”
Hegde, clinical assistant professor in periodontics, received A&M Dentistry’s Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award. She was recognized for her ability to bridge classroom learning to clinical practice, an approachable, interactive teaching style, and a commitment to student success. Hegde instills professionalism and confidence in students.
“(Her) dedication and clinical expertise make her an outstanding role model and educator,” Brown said.
Hegde said she’s appreciative that her hard work and dedication were acknowledged.
“It is indeed a privilege to be a part of a school that values its faculty members,” she said. “I look forward to continuing my journey with greater enthusiasm and motivation.”
Burnett, clinical associate professor in comprehensive dentistry, received the Teaching Excellence Award for mentoring faculty and students and for serving as a positive role model and strong advocate for student wellness. Her efforts are instrumental in making A&M Dentistry’s Mothers’ Rooms and the Pocket Pantry successful.
“Her commitment to innovation, professionalism and student success has earned her perfect peer-review scores and exceptional student feedback,” Brown said.
Teaching and mentoring dental students are among the most rewarding aspects of her career, Burnett said.
“I am also deeply grateful to the faculty who trained and mentored me and modeled the kind of thoughtful, student-centered teaching I strive to provide,” she said.