Bexar County TAB, the Madonna Center & Oral Health Research
Dr. Rahma Mungia, with the UT Health San Antonio- South Texas Oral Health Network, recently reached out to South Central AHEC and the Bexar County Translational Advisory Board (TAB) to partner on a Dry Mouth Web project with the Madonna Center. Dry mouth, also known as “xerostomia” is a common, but frequently, overlooked symptom that is typically associated with salivary gland hypofunction and reduced salivary flow. It currently affects millions of people across the US with the prevalence estimated from 5.5% to 46%. The purpose of the project is develop a web application that measures the symptoms of dry mouth and is intended to raise knowledge and awareness in the community. Mobile applications have huge potential to deliver simple, effective, inexpensive, on the go personalized solutions to oral healthcare needs. South Central AHEC and Bexar TAB will act as a partner with the research team to develop the web application and participate in recruitment, application delivery and dissemination. Madonna Center members will assist the research team to develop the application in the most culturally appropriate and efficient manner. Martha Castilla, a long time TAB member and current staff member at Madonna Center will coordinate the meetings with the community members.