Pitching in to provide healthier smiles in Arlington

Dental student Scot Burkett and AISD student Tania Rodriguez.

Texas A&M College of Dentistry partnered with TeamSmile Dec. 5 for the first time to provide dental care and oral health education at no charge to underserved children in the Arlington Independent School District. The event was at Globe Life Field, which created a sports-themed atmosphere and added to the fun, said volunteer Dr. Hoda Abdellatif, clinical associate professor in public health sciences and director of the department’s Community Outreach Office.

Twenty-two A&M Dentistry dental students provided most of the care, rotating through triage, X-ray and treatment stations to deliver screenings, diagnostic imaging, sealants, fillings and extractions. About 200 schoolchildren received dental services and education, and Texas Rangers mascot Rangers Captain joined the event to entertain everyone.

Dental student Garrett Franco

“This collaboration with TeamSmile marks a first step toward future partnerships and an exciting milestone for our Community Outreach Office,” Abdellatif said. “It allowed our students to gain hands-on experience while making a real difference in the lives of children who need it most.”

In addition to Abdellatif, supervising faculty included Dr. Simmi Patel, associate clinical professor; Dr. Raghad Obeidat, clinical faculty; and Dr. Dana Aborahma, clinical faculty. Patel, Obeidat and Aborahma are all part of public health sciences.