UT Dentists, School of Dentistry promote oral health at Half Marathon Health Fair

Volunteers from UT Dentists and UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry provided individuals with free oral and dental screenings along with oral hygiene education as part of the 2025 UTHealth Houston Half Marathon & 10K.

Making a stop at Bellaire Station on Oct. 25, the School of Dentistry’s Mobile Dental Van was onsite during the packet pickup for runners and their families. UT Dentists was on site for both days of the packet pickup.

Volunteers provided 36 people with oral and dental screenings, including six pediatric dental screenings. Each patient received a basic dental exam and personalized oral health education based on individual needs. Those who received a screening also received personal hygiene kits consisting of toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash.

Along with the services provided inside the Mobile Dental Van, hundreds more stopped by the UT Dentists booth and received oral hygiene instruction to better maintain a healthy smile and prevent any future diseases during the UTHealth Houston Health Fair. Visitors also had the chance to play “Crocodile Dentist” and “Pull a Tooth to Win a Prize” games that gave participants the opportunity to receive promotional items, including toothbrushes, collapsible hand fans, insulated bags, and running waist packs.

Overseeing this opportunity to engage the community and surrounding areas was UT Dentists Director of Operations Chris Truong, MBA.

“We look forward to participating in the health fair event every year since this was initiated,” Truong said. “To be able to support this meaningful health screening event along with all of the UTHealth Houston partners to the surrounding community brings so much collaboration in promoting overall health.”

UTHealth Houston was chosen as the title sponsor for the half marathon by the Houston Striders, a 501(c)(3) non-profit focused on community wellness and charitable outreach. This is the third year the two decided to combine the race’s packet pickup with a community health fair.

Although the event catered to those who signed up for the race, screening services were open to all who visited the event — from race participants to friends and family members and even to volunteers who supported it.

The UTHealth Houston Half Marathon & 10K was held the following day on Oct. 26, with over 7,000 participants in the race.