This trip was an amazing blessing. I am so grateful to have been selected to go and to have this type of opportunity offered through my college. Our stay in Jamaica consisted of days spent working in the clinics that we setup, teaching at local schools about oral health, and “cultural days” where we experienced the local community and resort. I enjoyed learning about the Jamaican culture and meeting some of the wonderful people who populate Ocho Rios. There are so many special moments that made up this trip that I will cherish forever, but a few especially stick out to me.

First, many of the patients who I had the privilege of treating told me they sat waiting for hours to be seen and it was their first cleaning in their life (most of them being older adults). It made me feel so honored to be a part of helping them receive dental care!

Second, going into the local school visiting about ten classes to teach the children about oral health was so fun. The kids were welcoming and were excited to meet us (as we were just as excited to meet all of them!) One little girl I’ll never forget, Samantha, who was in the Special Education unit of the school. After we gave her class our presentation, she came up to me and gave me the longest, sweetest hug while gazing up at me. She hugged me as if we were family and I could have held on to her forever!

Third, I met another little girl in the streets of Ocho Rios on the day we drove around handing out goods and toys to the locals. Her neighborhood was pretty run down and full of children, all who were without shoes. I was able to put a pair of shoes on her feet that we had brought as part of our donations. It was so humbling to just be able to give her some shoes. The stories go on! I will cherish the memories made in Jamaica with my classmates and look forward to possibly doing a trip like this again in the future. I would absolutely recommend this trip to whoever is interested in this type of work. It is a gift you will treasure!
– Victoria, SPC Jamaica Dental Study Abroad Program, October 2022