A team of students and faculty provide dental care on the Texas border in a program held by the Texas Department of State Health Services in conjunction with Remote Area Medical. This inter-professional clinic provides free care for underserved people on both sides of the US border. Patients line up early in the morning to get services that include eye care, pediatrics, vaccinations, social services, and oral health care. In a week, while volume is not our priority, the team of 16 dental and hygiene students saw 374 patients.
“Being immersed in a new culture is something that can truly change the outlook someone has on their future, and that is precisely what this Texas trip did for me. For someone who speaks little to no Spanish, this was a trip that allowed me to appreciate the moments beyond words with a patient, such as the looks of gratitude after a procedure that relieved pain from the patient, the laughs shared between the patient and I as we try to get to know each other through a few common words and charades-like gestures, and the trust that I learned to build with a patient through a smile and gentle touch when communication was a challenge. Most of the patients I had the privilege of treating were of the Mexican heritage and had to be some of the most hard working, tough, and grateful people I had ever been around. They came into the pop-up dental clinic with a firm attitude that I was going to be able to help no matter the lack of experience I may have had, instilling so much confidence in myself to get the job done. Throughout every appointment, it seemed like they were guiding me through it whether it be words of positive affirmation and thanks or high fives and holding my hands. I am not sure if it was due to such a family-oriented, trusting, and tight-knit culture, but the people that I saw showed a belief in me that really sparked my dental career. I could not be more thankful for the time I spent treating these patients, as they helped me and my future far more than I helped them in the grand scheme of things.” - John Kay