It is hard to find the right words to describe my study abroad experience in Jamaica. I knew when I applied that this would be a great experience and a way to sharpen my clinical skills as a dental hygienist. What I did not realize was how rewarding the humanitarian aspect of this opportunity would be. To be honest, I have never given much thought to volunteer work, especially not humanitarian work. But after my experience in Jamaica, I’m eager to do as much and as many as I can. Stepping away from the school clinic and not having to worry about making points or getting competencies done gave me the opportunity to see dental hygiene in a new light. For the first time it was only about patient care, and it was amazing. Most of the patients I saw in Jamaica had either never had a dental cleaning before or it had been years since they last saw a hygienist. Being able to provide someone with that care was an indescribable feeling.

All of the patients I saw were so incredibly thankful and happy that we were there for them. I had a patient who was 29 years old and had never had a dental cleaning before. The level of calculus he had was something I had never seen before. He shared with me that he had been going through a hard time and he was embarrassed he let is teeth get into the condition they were in. Once I finished his cleaning and he saw his teeth without all the buildup, he couldn’t stop smiling and thanking me.

This is the type of experience I was not anticipating when I signed up, but I am so thankful and grateful for it. Being able to help people and make a difference in their lives is an incredible feeling. Without this study abroad opportunity I would have no idea what that feeling is. I am so happy I was able to have this experience and I will definitely be volunteering for more humanitarian trips in the future. Thank you for providing me with this opportunity, it was life changing.
– Cassidy, SPC Jamaica Dental Study Abroad Program, October 2022

This was such a great experience. If I could get back on that plane, I would do it in a heartbeat. This humanitarian trip was even more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. It brings tears to my eyes because we received more from these people than we could ever provide for them. We were able to provide treatment and items to hundreds of people within the ten days we were there. Tuesday, the first day that we were split up to go to our rotation sites, I was sent to a local school to speak to the children. All the children wore nice, ironed uniforms and they were very respectful. They were just as excited to see me as I was to see them. Six days later, my classmates and I went into a very poor neighborhood to hand out items. As I was getting off the bus, I heard a voice say “Adriana?!”. I was shocked because I kept thinking to myself, “Who knows me out here?!”. It was a little boy from the school that I had visited earlier that week. He ran up to me and hugged me so tight. I couldn’t help but cry from so much happiness. We gifted him sandals and a soccer ball, as he told us that this was the best day of his life. This humanitarian trip is something that everyone needs to experience. Sometimes we don’t realize how small we really are in this world. I encourage all future students to apply. This experience will always hold a special place in my heart.
– Adriana, SPC Jamaica Dental Study Abroad Program, October 2022