As students and parents grab backpacks and pencils before the 2025-26 school year, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas wants everyone to start with healthy smiles. Dental and dental hygiene students will be at Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District’s Back-to-School Fest on Saturday, Aug. 2, providing oral health education and information to all ages. 

Festivities are from 9 a.m. to noon at Ranchview High School, 8401 E. Valley Ranch Pkwy., in Irving. There’s no charge for the event, but registration is required and only open to the school district’s families. Information is available here.  

“By reaching families early through events like this, we can deliver vital oral health education and promote habits that reduce disease and improve overall well-being — setting students up for success both in and out of the classrooms,” said Dr. Amal Noureldin, clinical professor and director of predoctoral programs in public health sciences. 

It’s one of two community events the dental college will participate in during the school year as part of its Empowering Smiles Oral Health Initiative Program, supported by a $210,000 grant from Carrollton-based nonprofit Metrocrest Hospital Authority to improve oral health in the Metrocrest community, which includes Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Addison, Coppell and surrounding areas. Representatives from the dental college participated in last year’s back-to-school event, thanks to a $120,000 grant from Metrocrest. 

School starts Aug. 12.