UT Dentists, School of Dentistry participate at Half Marathon Health Fair at Bellaire Station

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 2024 UTHealth Houston Half Marathon & 10K.

Making an appearance at the Bellaire Station on Oct. 26, the School of Dentistry’s Mobile Dental Van made a stop at the packet pickup location for runners and their families. UT Dentists was onsite for both days of the packet pickup.

Volunteers provided 54 individuals with oral and dental screenings, including eight pediatric dental screenings, totaling an 80% increase from 2023. Patients were given a free screening by a professional that consisted of a basic exam and personalized dental education based on the patient’s needs.

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,” a game that gave participants the opportunity to receive promotional items including mouthwash, toothbrushes, collapsible hand fans, and drawstring backpacks.

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

“The main purpose is to make dental and oral health screenings accessible at community events to provide additional resources to those who may have financial and time constraints,” said Truong. “By offering free screenings, it helps identify potential issues early through basic exams, educating, and encouraging individuals to seek further treatment if necessary.”

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 second 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 on Oct. 27, with over 7,500 people participating in the sold-out event.