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As the number of older adults grows, so does the need for specialized dental care. “They often have mobility challenges, complex medical histories and multiple medications. They are also at increased risk for conditions like dry mouth, root caries and periodontal disease, which can compromise their ability to eat, speak and socialize comfortably,” shared , assistant professor/clinical in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry.

51��� of Texas at San Antonio School of Dentistry has responded to the need for specialized dental care for the aging U.S. population by integrating geriatric education into the curriculum, an initiative led by faculty members Kundapur and , director of the Geriatric Dental Clinic, to prepare students to meet these needs with skill and compassion.

Hands-on learning

In summer 2025, senior dental students participated in a geriatric selective course which focused on providing care for residents at Inspiration Hills Nursing Home, a skilled nursing facility in San Antonio that provides long-term residential care, rehabilitation services and daily assistance for older adults with varying levels of dependency. Students conducted oral health screenings for residents with diverse and complex medical and functional needs, often adapting care through bedside assessments. When appropriate, residents were scheduled to receive on-site treatment at the Geriatric Dental Clinic at UT Dentistry, where students and faculty provided further comprehensive oral health care. These experiences helped students refine their clinical techniques, documentation and communication, while preparing them to manage the unique challenges of geriatric dentistry.

“My experience at Inspiration Hills Rehabilitation Center was a humbling and eye-opening opportunity that gave me a greater perspective on the importance of oral health care. Conducting oral health screenings for the residents emphasized how crucial access to oral care is, particularly for those in more vulnerable stages of life. While there, I also had the chance to play the piano for the residents. Though not the central part of my visit, it was a meaningful way to brighten their day, reminding me that compassion in health care is also about bringing comfort, dignity and moments of joy to those we serve,” shared Nathan Tylor Yang, a fourth-year dental student.

Collaboration and support

The program is sustained by a partnership between the nursing home staff, community leaders and the School of Dentistry. Faculty and school leadership, including Kundapur; Soto;  the Office of Patient Care at UT Dentistry; and , dean of the School of Dentistry, have been central in shaping the initiative into an ongoing part of the curriculum.

“As a social worker, I see daily how much it means to residents to be treated with dignity and compassion. This program not only enriches the lives of our residents but also gives the dental students a deeper understanding of the human side of care. It is a real pleasure collaborating with the dental school leadership. Our residents feel cared for, the students gain invaluable experience and our community grows stronger,” said Laurice Alvarado, LBSW, Inspiration Hills Rehabilitation Center.

Kundapar noted, “By working directly with the nursing home’s residents, students gain essential experience in caring for older adults and insight into the social and medical complexities of aging. Programs like this ensure that the School of Dentistry continues to train graduates who are ready to provide comprehensive care for a growing older population while strengthening community partnerships in San Antonio.”