EDUCATION: Dr. Nina Scales Leifeste was born and raised in Orange County. She graduated with highest honors from Bridge City High School and attended Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1984. Dr. Leifeste attended dental school in Houston, graduating with honors from The University of Texas Dental Branch (UTDB) Houston, with her Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 1988. She then completed a post-doctoral fellowship in General Practice and Hospital Dentistry through Hermann Hospital.

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:

The Academy of General Dentistry: Dr. Leifeste achieved Fellowship status with a commitment to career-long continuing education.
The American Dental Association: Life Member
The Texas Dental Association
The Dental Society of Southeast Texas
PHILANTHROPIC PARTNERSHIPS AND ENDEAVORS:

Adjunct/Volunteer Faculty position @ UT Health Houston School of Dentistry for over 30 years; clinical teacher/mentor to senior dental students;
Orange Christian Services Volunteer Dentist for over 13 years: staffing the Mobile Dental Van in collaboration with OCS and UT Health School of Dentistry
Established the Dr. William "Sam" Leifeste, DDS Memorial Scholarship @ UT Health Houston School of Dentistry; awarded annually to senior dental students exhibiting excellence in the discipline of Prosthodontics.
Established The Nina S. Leifeste, DDS Community Outreach Endowment
Co-Established The General Practice Residency (GPR) Endowment in Dentistry; Directed for the use and support for the advancement of education, patient care and research within the General Practice Residency Program, in the Department of General Practice and Dental Public Health.
AWARDS and HONORS:

Distinguished Alumnus: Outstanding Alumni Award; Bridge City High School Alumni Association
Texas Academy of General Dentistry: Texas Dentist of the Year Finalist
Alumnus of the Year Nominee: UT School of Dentistry
Fellowship Award: The Academy of General Dentistry
Omicron Kappa Upsilon: Dental Honor Society
Meritorious Service Award: The American Dental Association
"Woman of the Year" Greater Orange Altrusa
BOARD APPOINTMENTS AND POSITIONS:

The State Bar of Texas Grievance Committee
UT Health Houston Development Board
Lamar State College-Orange: Foundation Board
UT Health Houston School of Dentistry: Dean's Advisory Counsel/Strike Force
MISSIONS:

"International missions are a vital part of my life as a dentist. Whether my travels take me as far as the remote reaches of India or Latin America, I am blessed to be able to serve the underserved...to improve the health of individuals and families who have no access to much-needed dental care. My life is so much richer, by using my talent and skill set to better the lives of those I am honored to serve. My humanitarian opportunities have left me speechless at times, recharged always...and humbled daily. Our long-held family mantra/notable scripture has always been: (Luke 12:48) 'To whom much is given..much is required.' I have made this mandate my life's quest and am blessed richly in the process. "





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Our mission -

“To champion lifelong relationships between alumni, faculty, and future alumni of BCHS. Through awareness, connection, camaraderie & investment, the foundation will provide enhanced opportunities for future Alumni of Bridge City High School. Celebrating our history, our traditions, and our vision with an impactful, collective voice of Cardinal Pride and Inspiration for future generations. Leadership! Loyalty! Legacy! “