Expanding Dental Access
WellMed Charitable Foundation's $20,000 Gift Brightens Smiles for Older Adults in El Paso
Texas Tech Dental Oral Health Clinic expands access to critical dental care along U.S.-Mexico border
As he approached his 65th birthday, José Ramírez of El Paso feared he had no choice but to pay for pricey dental coverage. Sometimes, these high costs prevent older adults from seeking any type of dental care.
But thanks to the WellMed Charitable Foundation, older adults like Ramírez received essential dental care at no cost during special Screen and Clean events held at the Texas Tech Dental Oral Health Clinic. In support of these community care initiatives, the nonprofit organization presented $20,000 to the clinic during the event for older adults during the Spring.
Ramírez sought affordable dental care in our Borderplex region for months before discovering the services available on the Texas Tech Health El Paso campus. His search proved worthwhile when he received compassionate care that transformed not just his oral health but also his confidence.
“I was fortunate to have found this place,” said Ramírez. “I’m planning to return for a comprehensive exam. The treatment provided by the dental student and the supervising dentist was excellent! I look forward to coming back.”
Stories like Ramírez’s are among the reasons why the WellMed Charitable Foundation chose to contribute to the clinic. The grant supports dental services to adults over 60 who are uninsured, underinsured, or otherwise unable to afford essential oral health care.
“This grant is made possible by WellMed employees who contribute regularly to the WellMed Charitable Foundation out of their paychecks,” said Domingo Echaniz, vice president of operations at WellMed Medical Management. “I’m happy today to represent the compassion demonstrated by all of these WellMed employees in presenting this check.”
The WellMed Charitable Foundation, founded in 2006 by George Rapier III, M.D., serves as the philanthropic partner to WellMed Medical Management. This year, the foundation celebrates reaching $100 million in community investment across Texas and Florida since its launch.
Liliana Zuniga, M.D., medical director at WellMed Medical Management and an alumna of the Texas Tech Health El Paso family medicine residency program, emphasized the connection between oral health and overall well-being.
“We recognize that dental health is a core part of overall health, and that access is essential,” said Dr. Zuniga. “We are privileged to support the important work of the Texas Tech Dental Oral Health Clinic.”
Hunt School of Dental Medicine students have been instrumental in providing care during these special events, offering services including screenings, cleanings, fluoride applications and imaging. Detailed treatment plans are prepared for each patient and approved by a faculty dentist.
“Working with older adults in our community has been the most rewarding experience of my dental education,” said Rebecca Harper, who graduated in May. “I definitely prioritize the community and populations that might not have access to care. That’s why I'm passionate about serving diverse communities, and that's something I want to take away from my experience here.”
The partnership between the Texas Tech Dental Oral Health Clinic and the WellMed Charitable Foundation aims to create a dental home for adults who lack access to oral health care. This is particularly important in our Borderplex, where affordable dental services are limited.
Older adults often struggle to access essential oral health care because standard Medicare excludes coverage for routine preventive and restorative services. This means older adults are often unable to afford the care necessary to maintain their overall health.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 20% of adults aged 65 and older have lost all their teeth, with rates higher among those with lower incomes. Poor oral health is linked to numerous chronic conditions, including heart disease and diabetes, making preventive dental care crucial for healthy aging.
“The beautiful smiles we see after treatment remind us why this work matters,” said Richard Black, D.D.S., M.S., dean of the Hunt School of Dental Medicine. “Oral health affects everything from nutrition to social confidence. Through partnerships like this, we're helping ensure everyone in our community can access the care they deserve.”
Patient appointments are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. by calling 915-215-6700.
For more information about the WellMed Charitable Foundation and its initiatives, visit www.wellmedcharitablefoundation.org.
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.