Becoming “better students, better clinicians, and better human beings” during study abroad in Jamaica.
Instructing kids in good dental care
-Kittikan Sangthongtong, SPC Student, Jamaica Dental Program, October 2018
I am so blessed and thankful for the opportunity to attend the Jamaica dental study abroad program with SPC. What I experienced in Jamaica is priceless and can’t be described with words. The number of people in need of dental care in Jamaica is surreal, and I am very happy to have helped provide dental care to people who needed it.
On my first day in the clinical setting, I had the opportunity to apply sealants to the children who came for an oral exam.
I was also able to explain and educate the students on why I was applying the sealants on their teeth and how important it is to brush their teeth properly twice a day.
I personally believe that, as dental hygienists, we should not just focus on stopping any existing diseases from progressing; but rather, we should focus on preventing them before they start.
Giving and receiving “One Love” in Jamaica
-Ashley Warshaw, SPC Student, Jamaica Program, October 2018
After being accepted into the St. Petersburg College dental hygiene program, I knew that the study abroad program in Jamaica would be the pinnacle of my studies and good experience for my future career in dentistry.
This opportunity would allow me to obtain an exceptional educational experience, while also having the opportunity to help a community receive amazing dental care.
During the ten days in Jamaica, we were seeing 6-10 patients a day, working 8-9 hours per day; however, there was a feeling I couldn’t describe. The clinical experience gained was more than I could imagine and the cultural dynamic in Jamaica is truly that of “one love”.
The people and patients I met touched my heart in ways I will never forget. I want to encourage every dental hygiene student at SPC to participate in this study abroad opportunity.
And finally, to everyone who made this trip possible, thank you. You really made a difference in many amazing lives! I feel extremely grateful and honored to have been given the opportunity to pursue this unforgettable study abroad program, all while representing St. Petersburg College of dental hygiene.
“I can’t wait to go on another trip like this one.”
-Megan McBride, SPC Student, Jamaica Dental Program, October 2018
From the moment that I was accepted to the study abroad program for dental hygiene, I was so excited. This is not a trip that you can even explain in words. I cannot even describe the joy we saw in people just by giving them a new toothbrush. At the same time, there are no words to describe the happiness the Jamaican people brought to my heart with their kind and loving souls.
It was not easy by any means. We were there to help, and if that meant to be exposed out in the heat for hours, then that’s what we were going to do. Despite this, I can honestly say it was the most amazing thing I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing.
Overall, this was such an amazing opportunity and I am beyond thankful that I was chosen to go on this trip. This has made me a better student, a better clinician, and just a better human being overall. I can’t wait to go on another trip like this one.
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Thank you for sharing Kittikan, Ashley, and Megan!
Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you!
blog.spcollege.edu/international | 727-341-4735 | studyabroad@spcollege.edu