Current Service Opportunities
Student Leadership in Global Oral Health
Class of 2026 Application is now open!
This initiative is presented by the Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders. The purpose is to connect and develop young leaders around the world to encourage more sustainable oral health projects in their local communities.
Within the nine month course, students are exposed to integrative public health approaches that include building appropriate workforces, collaborations, and interventions to improve oral health care of their communities, taking into account the many social determinants that contribute to barriers to care.
This course will broaden the understanding of health disparities and needs of underserved populations while also helping to cultivate adaptability and cultural sensitivity— traits highly valued in the future dental workforce.
In addition, the program offers meaningful networking opportunities and close mentorship from global leaders in oral health. Participation may also support community engagement requirements, which are increasingly valued in many U.S.-based dental training programs.
Applicants are expected to propose projects addressing oral health challenges in their communities and outline data to support project development.
ALUMNI TESTIMONIALS:
I’m deeply thankful to Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders. Over the past nine months, they haven’t just helped me develop a project; they’ve shaped the leader and advocate I’m becoming. — Iman, Class of 2025
I’m grateful to have completed a powerful 9-month journey with the Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders (AOHAB) — a life-changing experience rooted in cross-border collaboration and a shared vision for inclusive global oral health. — Hindol, Class of 2025
Participating in the Student Leadership in Global Oral Health (SLGOH) program in 2022 was a transformative experience that broadened my perspective on global oral health. The program equipped me with essential skills and connections, which I have applied to both my leadership roles and clinical practice. — Clement, Class of 2022
SIGN UP TODAY
For more information on the course, please visit the application page on our website. Applications are due August 10th, 2025.
https://alliancefororalhealthacrossborders.org/initiatives/leadership-in-global-health/
2025
Special Olympics Texas Winter Games
Our volunteers cheered on the extraordinary athletes competing in a range of fundamental sports including volleyball, floor ball, powerlifting, and golf. Special Olympics is always an inspiring event that highlights the incredible abilities and unyielding determination of participants.
Visit www.sotx.org to volunteer for future events.
Date: Saturday, February 17th, 2024
Location: 13875 Bee Cave Pkwy, Bee Cave, TX 78738
Past Projects & Trips
2025
Special Olympics East region spring games in baytown
Our Healthy Athletes Volunteers always have a wonderful time cheering on the contestants of the Special Olympics.
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Location: Robert E. Lee High School Stadium; 1809 Market St. Baytown, TX 77520
Special Olympics Texas 2025 Winter Games
Students and faculty from UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry participated in the Healthy Athletes Special Smiles program at the 2025 Special Olympics Texas Winter Games. The dental outreach was planned under the auspices of the UTHealth Houston American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD) Student Chapter, and Student National Dental Association (SNDA), by faculty sponsor, Dr. Esther Kuyinu.
Volunteers included 2nd year dental students, 2nd year dental hygiene students, dental faculty and dental hygiene faculty. The dental component of the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes program, known as Special Smiles, is one of several medical specialty areas offering free health screenings and education.
At the health screening, dental and dental hygiene students, dentists and other volunteers collaborated to provide oral health screenings and health education to Special Olympics athletes. Specific services provided by the dental team included head & neck exam, oral health exam, oral cancer screen and oral health education. We also arranged for athletes who needed follow up dental treatment to connect with local community resources specializing in care for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025
Location: Bee Cave, TX
Our Wonderful Volunteers
Dental students: Michael Landavazo ‘27, Madison Mosley ’27.
Dental hygiene students: Victoria Boreman ‘25, Evelyn Garcia ‘25, Amanda Pham ‘25, Stephanie Seymour’25.
UTSD Faculty: Dr. David Fray, Dr. Esther Kuyinu, Dr. Ahmad Naraghi, Professor Victoria Patrounova, Dr. Amy Ridall and Dr. Erin Thomas.
El paso workshop
Dr. Wilma Luquis-Aponte gave a presentation
2024
Collaborative Care Wellness Event
At this outreach event, our volunteers provided oral health screenings, oral hygiene education, and nutritional counseling. Special thanks to Dr. Fray, Dr. Naraghi, Dr. Luquis-Aponte and all the dental, dental hygiene, and pre-dental students who made the event memorable for the participants.
Date: Saturday, November 16th, 2024
Location: THE CENTER FOR PURSUIT, 4400 Harrisburg Blvd., Houston, TX 77011
Special Olympics Texas Winter Games
Our volunteers cheered on the extraordinary athletes competing in a range of fundamental sports including volleyball, floor ball, powerlifting, and golf. Special Olympics is always an inspiring event that highlights the incredible abilities and unyielding determination of participants.
Visit www.sotx.org to volunteer for future events.
Date: Saturday, February 17th, 2024
Location: 13875 Bee Cave Pkwy, Bee Cave, TX 78738
2023
WELLNESS at caMP pursuit
At Camp Pursuit, we developed a creative and thoughtful wellness program for adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), autism, and similar conditions. Our primary objective was to create an enjoyable and engaging atmosphere for the attendees.
We implemented several innovative strategies to achieve this goal, including playing music and providing interactive demonstrations on proper brushing and flossing techniques. We also brought a remote dental unit to simulate a dental office setting, to show dental equipment, and to convey that dental offices can be fun and welcoming.
Overall, our efforts at Camp Pursuit were focused on demystifying dental care for adults with IDDs, making dental hygiene practices accessible, understandable, and enjoyable while fostering a positive perception of dental healthcare environments.
Date: Saturday, November 18th, 2023
Location: The Center for Pursuit, 4400 Harrisburg Blvd. Houston, TX 77011
Special Olympics Fall Classic
Our team collaborated with the Special l Olympics Texas to undertake a community involvement project. This initiative aimed to educate athletes about oral healthcare and included comprehensive dental screenings. The goal was to enhance the participants' understanding and awareness of dental health by providing information and practical dental assessments.
Date: Friday and Saturday, October 20-21, 2023
Location: Veterans Memorial Park (3101 Harvey Rd. College Station, TX 77845)
NIGERIAN CULTURAL PaRADE & FESTIVAL
Our team participated in the Nigerian Cultural Parade & Festival held in Houston. Our mission was clear and impactful - to provide essential dental screenings and oral hygiene education to individuals who visited our station. We aimed to promote good oral health practices among the attendees by offering them immediate dental assessments, valuable knowledge, and tips for maintaining long-term oral health. By participating in this vibrant cultural event, our team made a significant contribution to the community's health and well-being while embracing and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.
Date: Saturday, October 7, 2023
Location: 1400 Clay, Houston, Texas 77002
Adaptive water & land sports festival
Our team had a dual mission at this event. Firstly, we provided essential dental screenings to attendees, a critical service contributing to overall health and well-being. Secondly, our team took on an educational role by instructing attendees on proper brushing techniques and the importance of a healthy diet for maintaining good oral hygiene. This approach aimed to empower individuals of differing abilities and their families with knowledge and skills for better oral health, enhancing their quality of life.
Our involvement in this unique event showcased our commitment to community engagement and health education, specifically tailored to the needs and enjoyment of children, youth, and adults with special needs.
Date: Saturday, September 30, 2023
Location: Moody Gardens (1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554)
2022
Special Olympics Texas Fall Classic
Our team collaborated with the Special Smiles division of Special Olympics Texas in a community outreach initiative, delivering oral healthcare information and dental screenings to athletes.
Date: October 29-30, 2022
Location: Texas A&M Natatorium (187 Corrington Dr, College Station, TX 77843)
Phillips Event Center at Briarcrest (1929 Country Club Dr, Bryan, TX 77802)
2021
special olympics Texas Summer games
Our partnership with the Special Smiles division of Special Olympics Texas offered an invaluable community outreach opportunity. Throughout the games, we provided athletes with essential oral healthcare information and dental screenings, compliant with COVID-19 guidelines. We extend our thanks to the volunteer dentists and health professionals who made this possible.
Date: September 18-19, 2021
Location: Morgan’s Wonderland (5223 David Edwards Dr, San Antonio, TX 78233)
UTSD Candlelight vigil & panel discussion - APril 2, 2021
The UTSD cultural, Equity, Inclusion, & Wellness Council held a virtual vigil in memory of the lives lost in the tragic shootings in Atlanta, GA, and Boulder, CO. A special presentation by MOSAIC: Understanding the Rich Tapestry of the UTSD Family, “in our difference, we find unity,” along with a faculty & student-led panel discussing issues facing the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community
2019
Brookwood - January 26, 2019
UTSD and BCM students had the opportunity to engage with Brookwood Citizens through a health workshop.
Baytown HIgh school - April 27, 2019
In partnership with AADMD Student Chapter and Special Olympics, Mosaic Outreach conducted MedFest at Baytown High School, completing 40 screenings.
Special Olympics, State games - San Antonio, TX - May 4, 2019
Mosaic Outreach provided 135 screenings at the Special Olympics State Games in San Antonio, TX, thanks to the help of UTSD SA & UTSD Houston.
2018
Loaves & Fishes - Houston, TX
At this event, UTSD students helped the less fortunate and veterans from Camp Hope by distributing hygiene kits and offering oral screenings.
Hurricane Harvey Health Fair - april 22, 2018
At the Hurricane Harvey Health Fair at Lakewood Church, Mosaic Outreach provided more than 300 oral health screenings and hygiene instruction
Special Olympics, Healthy Athletes - May 12, 2018
Our volunteers attended the "Special Smiles" dental screening event at the Special Olympics in Houston, TX, advising 480 attendees on dental care.
Loaves and Fishes - Saturday, June 9, 2018
25 UTSD students distributed oral hygiene kits and served meals to the unhoused in downtown Houston.
Ronald McDonald House - Saturday, July 7, 2018
Our participants brought joy and activities to children in residence at the Ronald McDonald House.
Guangzhou, China - July / August 2018
In an enriching exchange trip to Guangzhou, China, participants from UTSD had the unique opportunity to explore various oral health care delivery and education models. In collaboration with United Family Health Hospital, they interacted with local healthcare staff and students and visited a local dental school. Furthermore, UTSD Faculty had the privilege to present at the dental school and initiate potential research collaborations. The trip also offered a cultural exchange, with visits to popular tourist destinations like Hong Kong, Guangzhou Shopping, Beijing's Imperial City, and the Great Wall. The visit to Zhujiang New Town, the Central Business District of Guangzhou, was another highlight of this insightful journey.
Special Olympics Fall Classic - College Station, TX - October 19-20, 2018
UTSD students and faculty provided oral health screenings and hygiene instruction to over 65 athletes at the Special Olympics Fall Classic.
Veterans smile daY - November 3,2018
Mosaic and the Greater Houston Dental Society partnered with Welch Dental Group and local organizations to host our fourth Veterans Smile Day, "Helping Serve Those Who Have Served.", offering free dental services to local veterans.
2017
Special Olympics Fall Classic - College Station, TX - October 13-14, 2017
UTSD students and faculty provided oral health screenings and hygiene instruction to over 65 athletes at the Special Olympics Fall Classic.
Hurricane Harvey Health Fair - October 15, 2017
With over twenty UTSD dental and hygiene students, Mosaic Outreach provided 300+ oral health screenings and hygiene instruction for Hurricane Harvey victims at a health fair held at Lakewood Church.