Record-breaking $24K raised for patients

By Stephanie Patrick

There’s still some time before they pick up their first dental drills, but students from The University of Texas at Dallas have made a positive impact on patient care already. UTD Pre-Dental Association’s annual Miles for Smiles fundraiser and fun-activities event raised a record $24,673 for Texas A&M University College of Dentistry’s patients in need. 

Nearly 100 UTD students gathered April 19 at Exall Park in Dallas to celebrate the culmination of several months of fundraising for A&M Dentistry’s Social Services Dental Fund, which assists patients who’ve run out of money before their treatments are finished in the dental clinics. Through a combination of campus bake and craft sales at UTD’s student union and outreach to businesses, including area dental offices, the predental students surpassed the initial $10,000 goal and exceeded the association’s previous record of more than $20,000 set in 2024.   

About 30 businesses provided money or raffle items for the cause, said Emily Tran, the association’s media coordinator. Top sponsors were Canyon Creek Family Dentistry, Murphy Dental and Implant Center, Blue Ocean Capital, FunBookShelf, Premier Health Chiropractic & Wellness, Badger Studios, Smile Design Dental and the University of North Texas’ Pre-Dental Society. 

“Every year, we are passionate and motivated to make a dental difference in our Dallas-Fort Worth community, improving oral health for all,” Tran said. “We wanted to give back to our community, and it’s amazing to reflect on the impact we can have when we work together.” 

Tran said challenges and dares among the association’s membership helped drive some of this year’s fundraising. “Since we hit our $20,000 goal, all of the male officers decided to dye their hair blonde,” she said. 

The association has supported the fund since 2008. The money raised closes financial gaps and ensures dental students can complete patients’ essential treatment needs, said Tony Keller, program coordinator in public health sciences at A&M Dentistry, who attended Miles for Smiles festivities. A&M Dentistry has served patients in North Texas for 120 years and offers oral health care at discounted rates in its clinics. To serve more patients, the college recently dropped dental care deposit fees for adults. 

Michelle Wu, president of the Class of 2027 dental students at A&M Dentistry, said the fund helped one of her patients, a single mother caring for two children while also supporting a parent with significant health challenges. The patient required extensive care. 

“The aid allowed her to get out of pain and have a smile she is proud of,” said Wu, who was not at the event.