On weekdays, a colorfully painted dental van pulls into local elementary schools, transforming into a mobile clinic where children receive cleanings, x-rays and fillings — often for the first time. Behind the scenes, the Texas Pre-Dental Society fundraises year-round to keep the wheels turning. The organization held their third annual student auction benefiting their philanthropy on April 9.
The event featured items from corporate sponsors and handmade donations from members, all benefiting Kids Tooth Team Outreach, a nonprofit providing free pediatric dental care to underserved communities. Sam Aassar, health and society junior and the organization’s philanthropy director, said that the nonprofit requires $200,000 to run annually, funded by grants and fundraisers like the auction — which raised $1,771 from 81 attendees. Aassar said he values the program directly addressing an often overlooked issue.
“This nonprofit is very close to me … and it’s a very unique model,” Aassar said. “Especially because cavities are the silent epidemic for children.”
A volunteer team works the mobile dental van, offering students hands-on experience in their field. Aassar said Texas Pre-Dental Society brings about five volunteers on the van at a time, with about 20 members going on the van in a two-day sequence. A doctor and sometimes dental students volunteer in the van, but he said the society prioritizes pre-dental student volunteers.
“It’s important because since we’re aspiring dentists, learning to give back or raise money is a great stepping stone into becoming a good dentist because our profession is all about giving back to people,” said Mia Miguel, a nutrition senior who’s donating a handmade crochet bolero to the auction. “This is a fun way to dip our toes into philanthropy.”
While the auction featured corporate sponsors such as Poppi and Pluckers, it emphasized homemade items and services. Aassar said he hopes this auction helps members applying to dental school, especially those who have hobbies they pursue during their free time.
“It’s a win-win for our students and for our nonprofit because a lot of our donations are student-based donations … so we try to encourage people to practice their manual dexterity skills,” Aassar said. “On the dental school application, it asks you, ‘What have you done throughout your time to improve your hand skills (dexterity)?’ … So, we try to showcase (members’) talents.”
Bella Paramore, biology junior and the organization’s president who’s donating a free nail appointment, said she hopes members use the event to showcase their talents.
“I love that people are able to donate their personal items, and it’s not just bigger businesses, because it’s great to see how creative all of our members are,” Paramore said. “It’s not always art or crochet, sometimes it’s objects they have, or tutoring sessions — so it’s fun to see how creative (members) are.”
