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Going the Extra Smile: Providing Dental Care to our Central Texas Neighbors this Summer
Every summer, while many children enjoy time off from school, the St. David’s Foundation Dental Program goes into high gear—providing free, high-quality dental care to students across Central Texas led by our team of Board-certified dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants. Since 2000, our Dental Program has provided dental services to kids who might otherwise go without care due to barriers like cost, access, or transportation.
Rooted in a mission of advancing health equity in Central Texas, St. David’s Foundation is committed to supporting communities with the greatest health needs through investment and action. We believe that every Central Texan, regardless of their zip code or income, should be equipped to achieve their optimal health. Our summer dental services are an extension of that promise, providing a wide range of essential dental health care— including diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and oral health education—at no cost to families.
How It Works: Mobile Dental Clinics Across Central Texas
Rather than asking families to navigate the logistics of taking time off work or arranging transportation, the St. David’s Foundation Dental Program brings care directly to the community. During the school year, our fully equipped mobile dental clinics are stationed at rotating Title I Elementary Schools in Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties.
The well-being of individuals, families and the community doesn’t start in a hospital or a doctor’s office–it begins at home. Approximately 80% of our health is shaped by community-wide factors, while clinical care accounts for just 20% of our outcomes.
That is why St. David’s Foundation is dedicated to serving and deeply understanding the Central Texas area that we call home.
Summer Services
This summer, in response to growing community need and to help fill gaps in access to care, our mobile dental clinics will be providing services at the following locations. Click here to learn more.
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- Jarrell Elementary (June 2 – July 25)
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- Manor School District Offices (June 2 – July 3)
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- Hornsby-Dunlap Elementary (June 2 – August 4)
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- El Buen Samaritano (June 2 – August 8)
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- Boys and Girls Club at Taylor (July 7 – August 7)
Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with the last appointment scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Appointment lengths vary from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the child’s dental needs. For more information on scheduling an appointment, please call 512-879-6231.
Who’s Eligible?
If your child is between the ages of 5 and 18 and attends one of the following school districts, they qualify for free care at any of our summer sites listed above:
- Austin ISD
- Del Valle ISD
- Manor ISD
- Pflugerville ISD
- Round Rock ISD
- Taylor ISD
- Jarrell ISD
- Hays CISD
- Bastrop ISD
- Harmony Public Schools
- Wayside Schools
Children who are current patients at our partner clinics—Del Valle Children’s Wellness Center, managed by the University of Texas, School of Nursing, Manor Mustang Health Center, managed by People’s Community Clinic, and Bluebonnet Trails Community Services at Taylor—also qualify for free dental services, even if they attend a different school district.
Families without transportation can contact us at least 48 hours in advance to arrange free transport to and from appointments. If multiple children in a family need care, our staff will do their best to coordinate appointments, depending on availability.
What Services Are Provided?
The dental clinics offer comprehensive preventive and restorative care, including:
- Exams and X-rays
- Cleanings and sealants
- Tooth-colored fillings
- Simple extractions
- Oral health education
Supported by St. David’s Foundation, all Dental Program services are completely free of charge—regardless of a patient’s insurance or immigration status. Services like orthodontics or sedation are not offered, but local anesthetic is used to ensure patient comfort. If a child does not have insurance coverage and requires more complex care beyond the scope of services listed above, they will be referred to local dental provider for continued treatment, at no cost to the patient or families.
To schedule an appointment or learn more, call 512-879-6231. Whether it’s your child’s first dental visit or a follow-up, the St. David’s Foundation Dental Program is here to help keep their summer (and their smile) bright.
Contact Us
To schedule an appointment or learn more, call 512-879-6231. Whether it’s your child’s first dental visit or a follow-up, the St. David’s Foundation Dental Program is here to help keep their summer (and their smile) bright.