Staying positive and going with the flow were the key topics during our trip to Jamaica. You never knew what the next patient had going on relating to their oral health and the goal was to see as many patients as possible. Many of the patients that we saw had never been to the dentist or had a dental cleaning, so it was key to educate them on what is going on in their mouth, give them oral hygiene instruction to better themselves, and always end on a positive note. The clinics that we worked in were hectic at times, and the heat didn’t help. Every now and then a patient would sneak up in hopes of getting seen which frustrated other clinicians. It’s imperative to go with the flow in hopes of not upsetting other clinicians and working as a team to see as many patients as we could. I think that working with my classmates was one of my favorite parts of this program. We work well at our school’s clinic, and going out to Jamaica really just proved to us how we respect and want each other to thrive. We got to grow closer as friends and as a team, this program helped give us a glimpse of what the real world will be like as dental hygienists.
– Grace, SPC Jamaica Dental Study Abroad Program, October 2023
My name is Janessa and I want to share my life-changing journey with the St. Petersburg Study Abroad program to Jamaica. It was an experience that surpassed the boundaries of education and adventure. As one of nine dental hygiene students led by our wonderful professor, Mrs. Krueger, and her husband, Dr. Krueger, we set out to provide dental hygiene treatment to rural communities in Jamaica and make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.
Our diverse group of dental hygiene students formed a close-knit team, and we were united by a common goal that we set out to share our skills and knowledge with communities that lacked access to adequate dental care. Our journey unfolded in the heart of the people of Jamaica, where we were greeted with big smiles and eager faces awaiting our assistance. Despite the heat and humidity, the resilience of our team from SPC shone through, as well as, worked tirelessly to bring relief to those who had limited access to dental care. We prevailed as a team alongside other volunteer dentists, assistants, and additional help from Great Shape! Inc.
Beyond the clinics, our journey took us to several schools where we engaged with children on the importance of oral hygiene. We gave out toothbrushes and floss, we not only treated their dental needs but also imparted valuable knowledge that could shape their lifelong habits. The joy in their eyes and the gratitude expressed was beyond anything I have experience in the states.
Reflecting on those 10 days in Jamaica, I am left with a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful journey. The teamwork displayed by our dental hygiene class, the lives we touched, and the lessons we learned under challenging conditions will forever in my memories. This experience not only reinforced the importance of global outreach in healthcare but also ignited a passion within me to continue making a positive impact wherever life takes me. Jamaica became more than just a destination; it became a moment in time for me that provoked compassion, resilience, and the transformative power of education and healthcare. The St. Petersburg Study Abroad program not only expanded my horizons professionally but also enriched me personally, I would go back in a heartbeat.
– Janessa, SPC Jamaica Dental Study Abroad Program, October 2023