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With the guidance of Mitzi Roberts, area director of the (CMDA) in San Antonio, the program has been connected with faculty and students from the ������ School of Dentistry to help make meaningful impacts on underserved communities in San Antonio. 

Communities Under the Bridge (CUB), formally known as the Church Under the Bridge, has been operating near homeless encampments in downtown San Antonio as a wellness initiative program that provides holistic care to people in need, addressing dental, medical and social welfare issues since 1996. 

For faculty, students and residents, it offers a unique opportunity to apply their skills in a hands-on setting, all while developing empathy and understanding for individuals facing severe hardships.

Hands-on experience in challenging conditions

Throughout the 2023-2024 academic year, the total contribution of uncompensated dental care through this initiative has reached over $230,000, including crucial services such as extractions, restorations and cleanings. Dental services are prioritized based on urgency, tackling pain and restoring functionality first. 

Volunteers include third-year and fourth-year dental students and dental residents, supported by experienced faculty and a few private practice providers who volunteer to oversee and mentor students during procedures. 

Equipped with portable dental units and X-ray equipment supplied by CMDA, students gain valuable experience adapting to challenging conditions, sometimes operating without the usual clinic infrastructure.

"Attending this event was an eye-opening experience. I saw how our community came together to help those that didn’t have the opportunity to go to private dental offices. It was amazing to see people leave in less pain and with brighter smiles. It was more than just providing dental care; it was about offering hope and support. Everyone was so grateful, and it reminded me of the impact we can make when we come together in Christ to serve others,” said Tae Young Uhm, a third-year dental student at the School of Dentistry and a Communities Under the Bridge volunteer.

An interdisciplinary approach to wellness

Communities Under the Bridge holds outreach events six times a year and provides year-round support with food, clothing and other essential services to unsheltered and low-income individuals. 

Dental care is offered twice a year as part of a comprehensive wellness event, alongside medical screenings and vision care. These events see patients move through each station for wound care, hygiene support and dental treatment, promoting an all-encompassing wellness approach. 

Many patients face complex issues such as mental health challenges, addiction and physical health concerns and this integrated care model allows them to receive much-needed assistance under one roof.

“It is a great experience and a privilege to serve together, bringing hope and making a difference for the San Antonio under the bridge community, in an interdisciplinary team together in Christ,” commented , assistant professor/clinical in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry and a Communities Under the Bridge volunteer. “It is a nourishing experience as a professional and as a person. If you have the opportunity, you should engage.” 

Inspiring global outreach

Beyond the local work, the program’s influence reaches as far as the Dominican Republic, where students and medical residents have traveled to provide care in underserved communities. Faculty and students alike find inspiration through these experiences. 

These events allows students participating in the program to “see the person behind the symptoms,” giving future health care providers a deeper perspective on patient care.

Looking ahead: Future outreach events

The next outreach event will occur on Feb. 8, 2025, when ������ will again partner with CMDA to provide comprehensive care to San Antonio’s most vulnerable residents. 

The impact of these efforts is visible not only by the care provided but through the compassion and skills developed by future health professionals dedicated to making a difference.