UT San Antonio
UT Health San Antonio
Login

Rahma Mungia, BDS, MSc, DDPHRCS

Associate Professor

Director, South Texas Oral Health Network

Asst. Director, Southwest Region, National Dental PBRN

Dr. Rahma Mungia is a nationally recognized leader in translational oral health research, implementation science, and practice-based research networks. Her professional journey began in India, where she earned her Dental Degree from the KLE Institute and practiced as a general dentist. Witnessing firsthand the profound impact of social and structural determinants on oral health inspired her to pursue advanced training in public health and population-based research. She earned a Master of Science in Dental Public Health from University College London and a Diploma in Dental Public Health from the Royal College of Surgeons of England, followed by completion of a Dental Public Health Residency at UT Health San Antonio (UTHSA) in 2005. 

Today, Dr. Mungia serves as Director of the South Texas Oral Health Network (STOHN), a community-engaged practice-based research network supported by UTHSA’s Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) program. Through STOHN, she has built sustainable partnerships among academic institutions, dental practitioners, community organizations, and underserved populations to address pressing oral health and public health challenges. Her leadership was instrumental in establishing the Southwest Region of the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network (National Dental PBRN), encompassing Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas, where she currently serves as Assistant Director. Together, these networks engage thousands of practitioners and patients in real-world research designed to improve clinical care and health outcomes.

As a clinical research and implementation science expert, Dr. Mungia has developed, led, or coordinated more than 55 regional, national, international, and multicenter studies, advancing knowledge in areas such as oral health disparities, tobacco and e-cigarette cessation, food insecurity, violence prevention, sleep medicine, and community-based interventions. She currently serves as Contact Principal Investigator on NIH-funded R21 and R03 studies, reflecting national recognition of her scientific leadership. Her scholarship has resulted in more than 80 peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed publications, presentations at national and international conferences, and appointments to editorial and leadership positions, including Editor of the Journal of Clinical and Translational Science.

Beyond her research accomplishments, Dr. Mungia is deeply committed to workforce development and mentorship. She serves as Director of the Graduate Certificate in Translational Science Program at UTHSA, where she teaches and mentors graduate students, clinicians, and emerging investigators in translational science, community-engaged research, implementation science, and research methodology. Her educational philosophy emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and preparing future leaders to translate scientific discoveries into meaningful improvements in health.

Throughout her career, Dr. Mungia has remained dedicated to advancing health equity and ensuring that research addresses the needs of underserved and underrepresented communities. Her work reflects a steadfast commitment to bridging science and practice, strengthening community partnerships, and improving oral and overall health outcomes locally, nationally, and internationally.