School of Dentistry volunteers at 2025 Nigerian Cultural Parade and Festival

Students, faculty, and staff from UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry volunteered at the 2025 Nigerian Cultural Parade and Festival on Oct. 4, offering free oral health services and education to attendees.

The community outreach event took place at Root Memorial Park in downtown Houston and was organized in collaboration with MOSAIC and the Student National Dental Association.

The annual festival, hosted by Culturally Naija and WeLead Inc., celebrates Nigerian traditions through music, dance, food, and cultural showcases. With Houston home to one of the largest Nigerian populations in the United States, the event draws a diverse crowd from across the region.

Under the direction Esther Kuyinu, DDS, the dental team provided screenings, fluoride varnish applications, oral cancer checks, and educational resources. Volunteers also helped connect individuals needing additional dental care with local community clinics and support services.

“This event allows us to increase oral health access while supporting a cultural celebration that means so much to our Houston community,” Kuyinu said. “Our students gain meaningful hands-on experience, and the community receives important preventive care.”

Participants included dental hygiene students Alana Batiste, Alice Pham, and Jazmin Samuel of the DH Class of 2026. Dental students volunteering included Yvonne Akpunonu, Nicole Akukoro, Kellie Askew, Victoria Okanlawon, and Rachel Porter of the DDS Class of 2027, and Nathaniel Blake, Rodas Hagos, Vanessa Hoang, Matthew Khuu, Kim Pham, and Osaivbie Uhunmwuangho of the DDS Class of 2028. Staff member Roxana Byers, DDS, and additional predental students from Houston Christian University also assisted.

Dental outreach participation was coordinated by Kuyinu, faculty sponsor of the Zeb F. Poindexter Chapter of the Student National Dental Association and a member of MOSAIC.