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Application Deadline:
Closed
Course Dates: January 13 – May 9, 2025
Travel Dates: January 17 – 26, 2025
Dental Hygiene Service Learning Experience in the Bahamas
This is a service learning experience through an organization called Great Shape!, Inc., that was established in 1988. One of Great Shape’s programs is called “1000 Smiles project.” While the primary purpose is to help those in need, there is plenty of cross cultural interaction, and learning.
During the week-long experience (approximately 32 hours), the group will divide into 3 or 4 separate teams consisting of dentists, assistants, hygienists, and other helpers. Each team is assigned to a different location. Portable dental equipment will be set up for use in temporary clinic locations ranging from country schools to rural health and hotel clinics, where dental hygiene services and care will be provided. The volunteers will also distribute toothbrushes and toothpaste, while providing patient education in oral health in the local schools and throughout the island community. This International experience will count as practicum hours for the course DEH 2702C.
Think you can’t afford to study abroad? Scholarships and other ways to fund your study abroad program are available. Explore scholarship options now.
Available courses – Students must enroll in the course listed below during the spring semester in order to be able to participate.
Note: Students must confirm with an academic advisor that they meet all college enrollment requirements AND course prerequisites to be eligible to enroll in the course listed. Students receiving financial aid must confirm with a financial aid advisor whether their study abroad course will be covered by financial aid.
Professor: Amy Krueger
Lead faculty contacts
After you submit the application online, we will review your application and e-mail you with details of scheduling your interview with the Bahamas Dental program lead faculty, Amy Krueger, 727-341-3691.
Other SPC Study Abroad trips
Learn more about other Study Abroad countries where SPC students have made their mark.
Student Travel Blog – For a taste of what it’s like to study abroad, or to follow our students as they travel, read posts from the study abroad blog below.
My trip to Antigua with the Saint Petersburg College dental hygiene program was a life-changing experience. Prior to this trip, I had never been out of the country, so I was honestly a bit nervous. This experience not only gave me a greater understanding of the cultural aspects of Antigua, but it also opened my … Continue reading SPC Antigua: A life-changing experience!
It is safe to say that I’ve gained so much more from this trip than I gave. While I did provide the people of Antigua with great dental care and education, they changed my life forever. They welcomed me with open arms and allowed me to be a part of their culture. They opened my … Continue reading SPC Antigua Dental Hygiene: We’ve gained so much more from this!
I recently had the opportunity to travel to the beautiful island of Antigua and Barbuda on a dental mission trip as a student dental hygienist. This experience allowed me to combine my passion for oral hygiene with cultural exploration in such a welcoming place. The locals were incredibly kind and taught us so much about … Continue reading SPC Antigua: Changed my perspective and strengthened my passion for helping others!
Participating in a study abroad experience through my dental hygiene program at SPC was one of the most meaningful parts of my education so far. Spending ten days in Antigua, providing free dental care to underserved communities, changed me in the best way possible. Leaving the classroom and my textbooks behind, I gained confidence in … Continue reading SPC Antigua: Values service, hands-on learning, and global connection!
My name is Courtney, and I am a dental hygiene student who participated in the SPC study abroad mission trip to Antigua. This mission trip was truly life-changing and exceeded all my expectations. I had the opportunity to serve alongside nine classmates, an instructor, and a dentist. The Antigua mission trip allowed me to strengthen … Continue reading SPC Antigua: I gave everything I had and received so much more in return.
One of the main reasons why I applied to the St. Peterburg College dental hygiene program was because it was the only program at least in Florida that offered a study-abroad volunteering experience for their students. However, I was questioning applying near the deadline since school was very hectic and I work a part-time job, … Continue reading SPC Bahamas: Knowledge, teamwork, amazing memories, and satisfaction!
My name is Jessica I’m a second-year dental hygiene student who went on the SPC study abroad trip to the Bahamas. Our mission was to strengthen our clinical skills while providing dental treatment to those in need. Most of the people we treated had never had a dental cleaning or been to a dentist. The … Continue reading SPC Bahamas: I loved every minute of the experience!
I am grateful to SPC for providing such a wonderful opportunity for students to participate in a study abroad program. Since I started my studies at SPC, I have had numerous chances to be part of something truly meaningful. I had the incredible opportunity to take part in the SPC study abroad program, where I … Continue reading SPC Bahamas: A chance to be part of something truly meaningful.
Breathtaking. That is the first word that comes to mind when I begin to reminisce. This study abroad opportunity with St. Petersburg College and Great Shape is an experience that I will never forget. The country of the Bahamas itself and its people are absolutely beautiful. From the moment we landed, we were treated with … Continue reading SPC Bahamas: An experience that I will never forget.
I had the opportunity to spend 10 days in the Bahamas to provide dental care to those who don’t have access. It was such a humbling experience, and I am grateful for the chance to be a part of this project. Great shapes had four clinics set up in different locations to be able to … Continue reading SPC Bahamas: Thankful for the scholarship and for this life changing experience.