Guided by gratitude: An alumni’s story of success and service
A flourishing career, a life of purpose, and a legacy of care—Edward Jastremski, DDS ’85, traces all of this back to UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry.
His journey into dentistry was unexpected. Edward became interested in the field when his brother decided to become a dentist, but his brother’s career was redirected after being drafted into the military during the Vietnam War. The idea of dentistry, however, stuck with Edward, shaping his own aspirations.
When Edward arrived at the of Dentistry, he quickly realized the rigorous demands of the program.
“The only thing I remember doing during those years was studying,” Edward recalls.
That dedication paid off. When he returned to Staten Island, New York—his home state—after graduation, he passed his board certification exams with high marks and opened his own practice within a year. His wife of 35 years, Phyllis Jastremski, RN, has been by his side, working in the office with him.
His commitment to the profession he loves extends beyond his own practice. He actively contributes through service, playing a vital part in several New York professional organizations. Notably, he served as president of the Richmond County Dental Society when the group celebrated its 100th anniversary, an honor that underscores his commitment to advancing the field.
“That’s my responsibility,” he says of his leadership roles. “That’s the future of my profession.”
Edward also remains a lifelong learner, having completed more than 2,000 hours of continuing education classes.
“I take classes as often as they give them,” he says.
Edward’s ties to Texas run deep, so he also gives back to the state and its people. At least twice a year, he flies from his home in New York to volunteer with the Mission of Mercy-Texas, a nonprofit that provides care to underserved populations in the state. He travels with their volunteer dental team to deliver care to patients who would not otherwise have access to these health services. Edward keeps a second home in Austin and plans to eventually move back to Texas.
“Texas is the best state in the nation, and UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry was the best place I could have gone,” he says. “I’m not just going to walk away after achieving everything I have. I feel I owe the school and the state. Where would I be today without them?”
To honor that sense of gratitude, Edward is including the School of Dentistry in his estate plans so that economically disadvantaged students can have access to the same life-changing education he had.
“The training at the school is incredible, located right in the middle of the Texas Medical Center. What could be better than that?” Edward says. “The school is just beautiful, too, with so much incredible technology. I wish I could do it all over again.”
With more than three generations of patients currently under his care, he has no intention of retiring any time soon.
“Why would I do that? I love what I’m doing,” he says.
Beyond dentistry, Edward nurtures his passion for jazz piano—studying with instructors at the prestigious Julliard School in New York—and regularly travels back to Texas, the state that shaped his career and life.
What began as an unexpected path has led to a legacy of care, generosity, and purpose—one that will continue to impact future generations of students and patients alike.