For Parkway Modern Dentistry, giving back to the community is not just a seasonal initiative. It is a core value built into the practice’s 49-year history in Jersey Village.
After moving the practice across the Beltway and only minutes away from the city, Dr. Alexander Ling and his team set out to deepen their connection with local residents. The natural step was partnering with their neighbors half a mile down the road: Jersey Village High School.
Through the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Adopt-a-School program, Parkway Modern Dentistry formally partnered with the campus last October to invest in both the school’s staff and its next generation of health care professionals.
What is the Adopt-a-School program?
The CFISD Adopt-a-School initiative creates direct partnerships between local businesses and campuses, opening doors for resource sharing, career mentorship and ongoing staff support. For Parkway Modern Dentistry, partnering with Jersey Village High School was a natural fit given its close proximity and deep roots in the area.
“It’s a true reciprocal partnership,” owner Dr. Alexander Ling said. “We’ve established a supportive relationship that allows for the free flow of ideas, mentorship of students, and collaboration of both parents and faculty between our practice and the school next door.”
The connection is also personal: One of Parkway Modern Dentistry’s team members is a Jersey Village High School alumna.
What has Parkway Modern Dentistry done for the school?
The partnership has included a variety of efforts designed to support the school beyond traditional sponsorship. Some of the practice’s efforts include:
Providing breakfast for about 300 faculty members during a staff development day
Power washing the front entrance of the school
Delivering Crumbl Cookies to faculty for Valentine’s Day
Supporting the school’s HOSA pre-health society
Hosting dental students for practice tours and career exploration
Welcoming a student to the practice as a dental preceptor
Helping present awards at the school’s senior awards ceremony
Providing food for faculty before the start of the 2026-27 school year
Providing lanyards featuring the school’s “Love My Village” message
The practice’s involvement with the school’s pre-health students has been particularly meaningful. One student shadowed at Parkway Modern Dentistry to fulfill requirements for her registered dental assistant exam and later passed the exam.
How can a school partnership shape a student’s future?
For Dr. Ling, the most meaningful part of the partnership is the opportunity to introduce students to a career path they may not have considered.
At a HOSA meeting attended by about 80 students, Ling shared his own experience of discovering dentistry in a classroom setting.
“I got my start right where you are today,” Ling told the students. “You never know when one moment can set your trajectory towards the rest of your life.”
That experience is something Dr. Ling hopes to provide for students at Jersey Village High School. Through practice tours, shadowing opportunities and conversations about dentistry, students can see what working in the profession looks like beyond the classroom.
The partnership also gives the school access to a local modernized dental practice for career exploration and potential emergency support while allowing Parkway Modern Dentistry to build relationships with students, parents, faculty, and administrators.
What does the partnership mean for Parkway Modern Dentistry?
As Parkway Modern Dentistry approaches half a century of serving Jersey Village, the team views its Adopt-a-School partnership not as a temporary project but as an ongoing investment in the community that it serves.
Dr. Ling plans to cultivate and grow the relationship for years to come, reinforcing the practice’s commitment to the city beyond its clinic doors.
“At the end of the day, it’s about honoring the city that made our practice possible,” Dr. Ling said. “Jersey Village has supported us for nearly 50 years. Adopting its largest high school is our way of cementing that commitment and investing directly in the people who are the heart of this community.”
Schedule an appointment
To experience the personalized care at Parkway Modern Dentistry or learn more about its community outreach programs, local families and prospective patients can contact the practice or stop by.
Parkway Modern Dentistry is welcoming new patients and offering $500 off braces, making care more accessible for families. Financing options are available. Click here to learn more.
Address: 7102 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N., Suite 100, Houston
Phone: 832-220-5780
Website: parkwaymoderndental.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the CFISD Adopt-a-School program?
CFISD’s Adopt-a-School program connects local businesses and community organizations with schools to provide resources, mentorship, career opportunities and other support for students and staff.
Why did Parkway Modern Dentistry adopt Jersey Village High School?
Parkway Modern Dentistry chose Jersey Village High School because of its close proximity to the practice and its longstanding connection to the Jersey Village community. The practice has served the area for nearly 50 years and wanted to deepen its involvement locally.
How does Parkway Modern Dentistry support Jersey Village High School students?
Parkway Modern Dentistry provides students with opportunities to explore careers in dentistry through HOSA presentations, practice tours, job shadowing and dental preceptorships. One student completed a preceptorship at the practice as part of the requirements for her registered dental assistant exam.
How is Parkway Modern Dentistry involved in the Jersey Village community?
Beyond its Adopt-a-School partnership, Parkway Modern Dentistry supports the Jersey Village community through local outreach and community events. The practice is approaching its 50th year serving the area and plans to continue building relationships with local schools, families and organizations.