The School of Dentistry and National Children’s Dental Health Month recognized with city proclamation
Representing the School of Dentistry at the San Antonio City Council meeting on Feb. 15 from left to right are Shikha Puri, MPH, dental public health resident; Vanessa Borrego, executive assistant to the dean; Lydia Leos, BBA, associate dean for administration; Brij Singh, PhD, associate dean for research; Peter M. Loomer, DDS, PhD, MBA, dean School of Dentistry; Mayor Ron Nirenberg; Adriana Rocha Garcia, PhD, City Councilwoman District 4; Juanita Lozano-Pineda, DDS, MPH, associate dean for external affairs; Adriana Segura, DDS, MS, sr. associate dean for academic, faculty and student affairs; Suman N. Challa, BDS, MSPH, interim chair, Department of Developmental Dentistry; Noorpreet Kaur, BDS, MPH, assistant professor, Department of Comprehensive Dentistry; Jennifer R. Farrell, DDS, DABSCD, director Phil and Karen Hunke Special Care Clinic; Rochisha Singh Marwaha, DDS, clinical assistant professor Department of Comprehensive Dentistry.
On February 15, 2024, during a San Antonio City Council Session, Mayor Ron Nirenberg and the City Council recognized the vital role the UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry fills in providing exceptional dental care to local communities. The council also acknowledged the importance of dental health for children through a proclamation presented to Peter M. Loomer, DDS, PhD, MBA, School of Dentistry dean, along with a group of dental faculty, staff and residents representing the school in recognition of February as National Children’s Dental Health Month in San Antonio.
When announcing the proclamation, the mayor highlighted the importance of good oral health and that access to dental care for all children, including those with special needs, is critical to improving our nation’s and city’s overall health.
The proclamation specifically noted that dental caries (cavities) remains the No. 1 childhood disease, with access to care inadequate for most vulnerable populations and communities. The mayor and several city council members commended the School of Dentistry for its dedication to providing accessible, high-quality oral health care for all San Antonio residents and for its initiatives aimed at expanding dental access through provider education.
In acceptance of the proclamation, Dean Loomer commented, “Our school has been a leader in meeting the oral health needs of San Antonio’s most vulnerable populations, including at our pediatric dental clinic at the Ricardo Salinas Health Center, which is only possible through the school’s partnership with the city and Metro Health.” He emphasized the importance of not only treating but also educating the population about oral health care. He thanked the mayor and city council for their support and recognition of the school's work for the San Antonio community.
The School of Dentistry provides more than 18,000 visits valued at $7 million annually through its community outreach programs. Many of these programs provide for children in underserved communities of San Antonio, Bexar County and South Texas.
Improving the oral health of children and adults in San Antonio remains a challenge due to economic factors and the segregation of poverty in pockets of San Antonio. “It is only through our partnerships and the support we receive from the city, the state and various organizations, individuals and grants that our school can continue to grow its outreach program with the mission to improve the oral health of communities through excellence in education, research, patient care and community outreach,” said Dean Loomer.