A new project led by scientists at The University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center’s School of Dentistry is shining a light on childhood oral disease, one of South Texas’ most pervasive health challenges. With one of the lowest dentist-to-patient ratios in the U.S., and some of the nation’s highest childhood cavity rates, the research team is launching a school-centered program to promote prevention and build lifelong healthy habits. They seek to turn elementary school teachers into “oral health champions” for students ages 5 to 10.
The two-year initiative is headed by a team of investigators at the Center for Global and Community Oral Health led by Yvonne Buischi, DDS, PhD, professor in the Department of Periodontics, with co-investigators Peter Loomer, DDS, PhD, professor and director of the Center for Global and Community Oral Health, and Natalia Kajimoto, DDS, Ms, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Periodontics, Noorpreet Kaur, BDS, MPH, assistant clinical professor in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry and Sergio Funari, DDS, Msc, PhD, Institute of Infectious Diseases Emilio Ribas Sao Paulo, Brazil. By providing educators with knowledge, training, and classroom resources, the program aims to empower teachers to deliver lessons on preventing cavities and gum problems by encouraging children to care for their teeth. The study is made possible through a grant from Colgate-Palmolive.
Oral health matters
Oral health is inseparable from overall health. Untreated dental cavities can cause pain, difficulty eating and malnutrition. In severe cases, the consequences extend far beyond the mouth, compromising general health and quality of life.
Despite advances in dental science, tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease of childhood in the United States, with students missing more than 34 million school hours each year because of unplanned dental care. Nationally, more than half of Texas kindergarteners and two-thirds of third-graders have experienced cavities, according to state health data.
“Prevention is our most powerful tool,” said Buischi. “By reaching children early, before the damage occurs, we can change the trajectory of oral health for an entire generation.”
Why teachers?
Because they see students every day and maintain close connections with families, teachers are uniquely positioned to help shape children’s health habits. But research shows that many elementary school teachers lack adequate training and confidence to address oral health.
The research team sees this gap as an opportunity. By developing an engaging, culturally tailored curriculum and providing hands-on training, the program will give teachers the confidence and tools they need to integrate oral health education seamlessly into classroom activities.
“Teachers are natural health promoters,” said Kajimoto. “With the right support, they can help instill habits that last a lifetime.”
Inside the program
The project will recruit 150 elementary school teachers from across South Texas, dividing them into three groups: in-person training, live online training and self-directed online modules. Each group will receive the same core curriculum, which covers dental cavities, gum disease and oral-systemic connections.
Teachers will also participate in oral hygiene demonstrations and group discussions designed to help them practice and refine their skills before taking them into the classroom. Teachers will receive booklets, lesson plans, supplementary classroom resources and many materials will be provided both in English and Spanish.
Teachers will complete surveys before training to check knowledge and then at 14 days, three, six and 12 months after training to assess retention of knowledge and identify challenges in classroom implementation. Refresher seminars will allow educators to share successes, ask questions, and exchange ideas.
Beyond the classroom
The hope is that the program teaches children about oral health and has ripple effects that benefit the whole community. When teachers improve their own knowledge about oral health, they become advocates for their students, but also for families and communities.
“We are planting seeds that will grow far beyond the classroom walls,” said Loomer. “Teachers can be powerful agents of change, inspiring healthier behaviors in entire communities.”
The initiative also builds pathways to care. For example, if teachers identify children with urgent dental needs, they can make referrals to the Health Science Center’s School of Dentistry, which serves as a safety-net provider for the region.
Vision for the future
By 2027, the team expects to have trained at least 150 teachers and reached thousands of children with preventive education that could change their lifelong health outcomes.
“Every child deserves the chance to grow up free from preventable pain and disease. By empowering teachers, we are giving communities the tools to build a healthier future,” said Buischi.
How to sign up
The project is actively recruiting teachers. Interested educators who teach elementary school children ages 5-10 in the South Texas area are eligible. Compensation is provided for participation. Please contact kajimonton@uthscsa.edu to sign up.