Participating in SPC’s 2017 Jamaica Dental study abroad program was the most amazing, rewarding, and life-changing experiences I have ever had the pleasure of being a part of. Jamaica is such an amazing country with the most loving, compassionate, thankful, and happy people in the world. Just to see the way they live was so eye opening. They live in these little villages with no roofs on their houses, and the kids run around with no shirts and shoes on, because they can’t afford it. One day we went to one of these villages with a bin full of kid’s toys and tooth brushes and toothpaste, and just to see how happy such little things made them was so amazing to see. Kids in America would have turned their noses up at such gifts, but not in Jamaica. They are so happy even though their living conditions are so bad, it was amazing to see especially coming from America where we have literally everything and we are still unhappy.

Another amazing part of the 2017 Jamaica Dental study abroad program was being able to work on the Jamaican locals teeth. We had clinics set up in four different locations, and I was at the Port Maria location. We got there around 9:30 every morning and began to see patient immediately. It was definitely a big confidence booster for me to clean such hard patient’s teeth with no one watching or checking me, and I was doing a great job in a short amount of time. All of my patients were so thankful for what I was doing for them. Many of them had never had their teeth cleaned before, and most likely won’t have them cleaned again. I made sure to focus on how to brush their teeth and how important it really is for them especially with little to no professionally delivered dental care.

Lastly, the bond I made with my fellow classmates and instructors was unimaginable. Before the trip we all got along fine, but once we were there we became so close to each other. It definitely made bonds and memories that could never be forgotten. We were assigned to our rooms, so we didn’t just hang out with our one friend, it really gave us the opportunity to branch out and get to know everyone. Every night after the clinics, we would go to a group dinner with everyone from SPC and talk about the day and share stories. We also would go out after dinner to any shows that were happening at the resort.

Overall we all became so close from this program, I can honestly say they are some of my best friends and I will never forget them! I also go to know Mrs. Krueger on a more personal, friendly level which was nice compared to at school where it is very professional, this was much more laid back and I loved that vibe. Mrs. Krueger is so inspirational and helpful. I am so thankful to her and everyone else who makes this program happen and continue to happen. I can say first hand that this program changed my life, not only emotionally, but physically made me a better dental hygienist.  Thank you to everyone who made this possible. It’s amazingness was beyond what words can express.

Written by Stephanie Middleton, 2017 Jamaica Dental study abroad student

The opportunity to participate in the St. Peterburg College Jamaica Dental Hygiene 2017 Study Abroad program was a great experience. As a dental hygiene student at St. Peterburg College I do not think I could have asked for a better place to go and better patients to see. Jamaicans are extremely thankful for the work we do while we are there, and we get the opportunity to see patients who have never seen a dentist before, and their oral conditions are challenging for us. My skills as a clinician have grown from 1 to 10. At school we normally have 2 hours, or 2 ½ per patient. In Jamaica we were seeing 6 and more patients – sometime as many as 10 – in 8 hours and yet delivering the same quality service as we do in school.

We also went to a school and educated kids. Prevention is the main focus for us. If these kids we saw during the week we were providing services in Jamaica retained what we taught them, they will be less likely to face oral diseases as they grow older.

Personally it was very rewarding to use my skills to help people who cannot afford dental care treatment. Some of the patients I saw hugged me at the end of the appointment and told me that I changed their lives, or that now they can smile… for me there is not better feeling than that. Seeing these people smiling and happy at the end of the appointments was my “mission accomplished” at the end of each day.

I encourage every student to participate in the St. Peterburg College Jamaica Dental Hygiene Study Abroad. We can make the difference!

Written by Alina Cabezas Ortiz, 2017 Jamaica Dental Hygiene Study Abroad student

To learn more about this study abroad program or the other study abroad opportunities available at St. Petersburg College, click here.

Questions? Contact us via email at studyabroad@spcollege.edu or via phone at 727-341-4735.