A mobile dental clinic serving Texas elementary schools received key support this month through a student-led fundraising event. The clinic, run by the nonprofit Kids Tooth Team Outreach, provides free dental care to children in underserved communities.
On weekdays, the brightly painted dental van visits local schools, offering services such as cleanings, x-rays, and fillings — often a child’s first dental treatment. The Texas Pre-Dental Society helps fund the program by organizing events like its third annual student auction, held April 9.
The auction raised $1,771 from 81 attendees. Proceeds go toward the nonprofit’s annual $200,000 operating costs, which are funded through grants and community donations.
Sam Aassar, a health and society junior and the society’s philanthropy director, said the mobile clinic addresses a critical but often overlooked healthcare need.
“This nonprofit is very close to me,” Aassar said. “It’s a very unique model.”
Although dentists and dental students volunteer with the program, pre-dental students are encouraged to participate.
“It’s important because we’re aspiring dentists,” said Mia Miguel, a nutrition senior. “Learning to give back or raise money is a great step toward becoming a good dentist.” Miguel donated a handmade crochet bolero to the auction.
The event featured items from sponsors like Poppi and Pluckers but focused on homemade items and services created by members.
Aassar said student-made donations also help applicants strengthen their dental school applications by showing off manual dexterity — a key skill in dentistry.
“On the application, it asks what you’ve done to improve your hand skills,” Aassar said. “So we try to showcase members’ talents.”
Organization president Bella Paramore, a biology junior, donated a free nail appointment. She said she enjoys seeing how creative members can be.
“It’s not always art or crochet,” Paramore said. “Sometimes it’s objects they already have or tutoring sessions. It’s fun to see how creative our members are.”
