Domestic Access to Care event continues to expand endodontic outreach

For the third consecutive year, the Department of Endodontics at the UT San Antonio School of Dentistry has been awarded the Domestic Access to Care Grant from the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) Foundation. The Foundation’s Domestic Access to Care program funds member‑led initiatives across the United States that expand access to endodontic care. Program goals include serving patients in underserved communities, delivering the highest level of care, advocating for the field of endodontics, providing mentorship and hands‑on learning opportunities for dental students and engaging alumni and the next generation of AAE members.

The grant was awarded to Nikita B. Ruparel, DDS, PhD, MS, associate professor and director of the Advanced Education Program in Endodontics. With support from the grant, the Department of Endodontics, in partnership with San Antonio Christian Dental Clinic (SACDC), Haven for Hope, Methodist Healthcare Ministries and the San Antonio Refugee Health Clinic, hosts an annual day of endodontic services at UT Dentistry’s Endodontics Clinic. These collaborative efforts help patients receive critical, tooth‑saving dental care while enriching the educational and professional experiences of the endodontists, residents and students who serve them.

This year’s Domestic Access to Care event took place on Saturday, February 28, transforming the Endodontics Clinic into a center of community service. More than 35 volunteers participated, including staff, faculty and residents from the Department of Endodontics, as well as alumni of the Endodontics Residency Program and dental students. Throughout the day, volunteers provided endodontic care to patients who might otherwise face significant barriers to treatment. In total, the team treated 37 patients, performing 42 root canal treatments and core build-ups.

 "In just three years, the Domestic Access to Care Day has become a tradition of the Endodontics Department. The overwhelming response from residents, students, faculty, alumni and staff makes it very clear that we are committed to giving back and caring for our community,” said Ruparel.

Through initiatives like the Domestic Access to Care event, the UT San Antonio School of Dentistry continues to demonstrate its commitment to community engagement, service‑driven education and improving access to essential dental care throughout San Antonio and South Texas.