School of Dentistry, UT Dentists support families through summer outreach
More than 500 individuals received services and education through the outreach efforts, helping increase awareness of oral health's role in overall well-being and supporting families as they prepared for the school year.
As Houston-area families prepared for the start of a new school year, volunteers from UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry and UT Dentists participated in a series of community health fairs and back-to-school events across the Greater Houston area, providing free preventive oral health services and education to children and families.
From June through August, teams of faculty, dentists, dental hygienists, students, residents, and staff partnered with local schools, churches, health centers, and community organizations to offer dental screenings, fluoride varnish applications, oral hygiene instruction, and nutrition counseling. Volunteers also connected families with health resources and emphasized the importance of preventive care and healthy habits.
More than 500 individuals received services and education through the outreach efforts, helping increase awareness of oral health's role in overall well-being and supporting families as they prepared for the school year.
“Community outreach gives us an opportunity to meet families where they are and provide resources that can make a meaningful difference in their health,” said Raha Naderi, RDH, MEd, assistant professor and director of community outreach at the School of Dentistry. “These events highlight the power of collaboration and our shared commitment to improving the health of the communities we serve.”
Throughout the summer, volunteers participated in the following outreach events:
- Meet the Streets Community Resource Fair (June 20)
- Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church Resource Fair (July 11)
- HOPE Clinic Back-to-School Health and Wellness Fair (July 25)
- Community Health Fair and Back-to-School Event, hosted by the Christopher Pichon II Foundation (July 25)
- Kashmere Multi-Service Center Back-to-School Celebration (July 25)
- Alief ISD Back-to-School Event (Aug. 1)
- CHRISTUS Back-to-School Event (Aug. 1)
- Community Resource Fair and Back-to-School Bash (Aug. 1)
- Harris Health Strawberry Health Center Back-to-School Event (Aug. 8)
- Hispanic Health Coalition Back-to-School Event (Aug. 8)
- Fifth Ward Multi-Service Center Back-to-School Event (Aug. 8)
- City Church Back-to-School Event (Aug. 9)
Beyond providing screenings and preventive services, the events created opportunities for volunteers to engage with the surrounding communities they serve and reinforce the importance of lifelong oral health.
“Seeing children excited for the upcoming school year and families grateful for available resources reminds us why this work is so important,” Naderi said. “Through strong community partnerships, we can help ensure that children and families have the support they need to start the school year healthy, confident, and ready to succeed.”