FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 14, 2025
EL PASO, Texas — Cheers, high fives and bright smiles kicked off Nusenda Sun City Smiles Day on April 10, 2025, as Texas Tech Health El Paso dental students formed a spirited tunnel to welcome local children with enthusiasm and encouragement. Hosted at the Texas Tech Dental Oral Health Clinic, the event aimed to improve children’s oral health across our Borderplex while creating a fun, positive experience that helps ease dental anxiety and fosters lifelong healthy habits.
The initiative, sponsored by the Nusenda Foundation, provided no-cost dental services and oral health education to more than 120 children from the Ysleta Independent School District. Students from Ramona STEM Academy, Riverside Elementary School and Capistrano Elementary School received basic dental screenings and cleanings from student providers under the supervision of dental faculty.
“We’re so happy to be here supporting Sun City Smiles Day. This grant helps provide not only essential dental care for children, but also a fun and positive experience that encourages them to maintain healthy habits as they grow. It’s all about giving back to the community because our children are the future, and we’re proud to support both their health and the students at Texas Tech Health El Paso who are gaining valuable hands-on experience,” said Rebecca Isaacs, assistant vice president of community relations for Nusenda Credit Union.
The event was made possible thanks to a $15,000 grant awarded by the Nusenda Foundation through the credit union’s 2024–2025 Community Rewards Program. The grant supports dental outreach efforts that serve children in our Borderplex, aiming to reduce oral health disparities in the region.
“These smile days are so important for our community. They give children who may not have consistent access to dental care a chance to be examined, referred if needed, and learn about dental hygiene,” said Richard Black, D.D.S., M.S., dean of the Hunt School of Dental Medicine. “Thanks to the support of the Nusenda Foundation, these kids not only receive care — they also see what a dental clinic is like, which helps ease fears. And since children are the best influencers at home, they leave as oral health advocates for their families.”
After their check-ups, the children participated in hands-on educational activities that focused on proper brushing techniques, identifying hidden sugars in snacks, and making healthier food choices.
“Dental caries, commonly known as tooth decay or cavities, is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world, and many adults avoid the dentist due to past trauma,” said Kelly Yang, third year dental student at the Hunt School of Dentistry. “That’s why it’s so important to give children a positive experience early on — so they feel comfortable, come back regularly and maintain lifelong oral health. Events like this one help us educate, treat and inspire future generations while working together as dental students across all four years classes to serve our community.”
For some of the children, like Capistrano Elementary second grader Donovan Castruita, it was their first time in a dental clinic setting — an experience that made a lasting impression.
“The best part was getting my teeth checked,” Donovan said.
A close second might have been getting to meet the clinic’s mascot, Teeth Rex.
“He’s awesome,” Donovan said while flashing his bright smile.
Oral health remains a major concern in underserved areas across west Texas and our Borderplex region. National studies estimate that more than 51 million school hours are lost each year due to preventable dental problems. With community partnerships like this, Texas Tech Health El Paso continues its commitment to addressing these disparities head-on.
New to the El Paso area, the Nusenda Foundation — established in 2015 as the nonprofit arm of Nusenda Credit Union — is already making an impact through its philanthropic efforts to enhance education, health, and community well-being.
About Texas Tech Health El Paso
Texas Tech Health El Paso serves 108 rural counties in West Texas and is a federally designated Hispanic-serving institution dedicated to preparing the next generation of health care heroes. Established as an independent university in 2013, Texas Tech Health El Paso is a uniquely innovative destination for medical, nursing, biomedical sciences and dental education.
With a focus on excellence in health care education, research, and clinical service, Texas Tech Health El Paso has graduated over 2,400 professionals over the past decade, and will include dental graduates beginning in 2025. For more information, visit ttuhscepimpact.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Patrick Espinoza at 915-204-2370 or [email protected] Danielle Urbina at 915- 443-8780 or [email protected]
Eric Harrison at 505-610-0419 or [email protected]
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