Multiple schools and programs from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) participated in the annual Spurs x Frost Back to School Bash, held on Aug. 10, at the Frost Bank Center. The free community event offered dental screenings, back-to-school supplies, wellness tips and numerous other health resources. Organizers estimated that over 3,500 school children, parents, caregivers and teachers attended. The event was sponsored by San Antonio Spurs Sports & Entertainment and Frost Bank.
Preventative Care, Safety and Interactivity
The School of Dentistry returned for its third year, with student, resident and faculty volunteers from the Doctor of Dental Surgery, Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Hygiene programs. Together, they conducted over 260 dental screenings for children and adults, providing early detection and care. Dental Hygiene students engaged younger attendees through interactive oral hygiene demonstrations. Over 1,200 dental care packets were distributed, each containing toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss, along with information on UT Dentistry’s patient care options.
Three programs from the School of Health Professions also participated. The Department of Occupational Therapy provided attendees with sensory activities, guidance on self-calming strategies for school-related anxiety and tips for managing backpack weight. Students and faculty from the Department of Respiratory Care demonstrated mechanical and manual ventilation using pig lungs, as well as a vibrating vest designed for airway clearance therapy. They also educated participants on asthma inhalers and spacer devices. Students from the Department of Physician Assistant Studies provided Body Mass Index (BMI) and blood pressure screenings for children and adults, conducted blood glucose screenings for adults and shared information on healthy lifestyle practices.
Resources for Young Students and the Community
The University of Texas School of Public Health San Antonio, which welcomes its second cohort of students this fall, distributed over 2,000 school supplies, including packs of crayons, coloring books, rulers, pencils and cups.
Health Confianza, a community-wide health literacy nonprofit housed at UT Health San Antonio, passed out health care resources in English and Spanish, such as coloring pages, pens and hand sanitizer. The organization provides education, workforce training and health resources to Bexar County residents.
UT Health Physicians shared details about its sports medicine program, which offers expert diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation services to keep athletes and all South Texans active.
UT Health San Antonio is the official sports medicine partner of the San Antonio Spurs.