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Application closed:
May 24, 2022 (7:00 am)
Course Dates: Aug. 15 – Dec. 9, 2022
Travel Dates: Oct. 24- Nov. 2 , 2022
Dental Hygiene Service Learning Experience in Jamaica
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 fall 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 Jamaica Dental trip 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 in Jamaica, or to follow our students as they travel, read posts from the Jamaica blog below.
My name is Alison and I was gratefully chosen to go on a mission trip to Jamaica Study Abroad along with the rest of my other classmates. To begin to explain what this experience has done for me and still continue to do for me… well its simple. Life changing, rewarding, and pure. This trip … Continue reading SPC Jamaica program: Life changing, rewarding, and pure.
Each and every one of us has a story to tell and share with others. During my trip to Jamaica, I was able to meet wonderful unique individuals. I was fortunate enough to be able to listen to their life stories and for a short-while experience their culture. It was amazing to create everlasting bonds … Continue reading SPC Jamaica Study Abroad: Most Rewarding and Humbling
The trip to Jamaica was an incredible experience. It was one of the most humbling and eye-opening experiences I’ve ever had. There was a lot of preparation that had to be done before going on the trip but it was all worth it. We did a few garage sales, did a few spirit nights at … Continue reading SPC Jamaica Study Abroad: The most humbling and eye-opening experiences I’ve ever had.
I am eternally grateful to have been selected for this once in a lifetime opportunity. We traveled to Ocho Rios, Jamaica to provide dental cleanings to the underserved communities. We worked for several days in the clinics and visiting local schools to provide oral health education. This trip is the best thing that could happen … Continue reading SPC Jamaica Program: The best thing that could happen to a dental hygiene student.
The Jamaica study abroad program is an invaluable experience. I have gained a love of international travel, confidence in my skills as a clinician, a love for the people of Jamaica, and a new amazing way to volunteer and be of service to others. When I applied for this program, I hoped that I would … Continue reading SPC Jamaica study abroad program is an invaluable experience
Applying learned skills in local communities inspires career-path satisfaction and two-way gratitude during study abroad in Jamaica. A humbling, life-changing experience – Julaine Moya, SPC Student, Jamaica Dental Program, October 2018 I will begin by saying that my participation in the dental hygiene study abroad program in Jamaica was life changing. It was a totally humbling … Continue reading SPC students offer dental hygeine in Jamaican clinics, return inspired
Becoming “better students, better clinicians, and better human beings” during study abroad in Jamaica. Instructing kids in good dental care -Kittikan Sangthongtong, SPC Student, Jamaica Dental Program, October 2018 I am so blessed and thankful for the opportunity to attend the Jamaica dental study abroad program with SPC. What I experienced in Jamaica is priceless … Continue reading SPC students experience joys of giving and receiving in Jamaica
My heart is so full of love, happiness, gratitude, and emotion. I knew the day I was accepted to go to Jamaica study abroad that the trip would be life changing, but I never expected it to be as impactful as it was. On this trip, I … Continue reading Jamaica Study Abroad: Dental Hygiene
My dental hygiene journey started about three years ago in Kansas City. At that time, I was a student at Kansas State University, planning on attending UMKC for Dental Hygiene upon graduation. That year, my sister decided to move to Chicago for college, and it prompted me to think, “If she’s doing it [moving away … Continue reading Jamaica Study Abroad: The Best Days of My Life
“Wah gwaan”, or “What’s up”, in the Jamaican Patwah language. Where do I even begin to describe how incredible this experience was? Let’s start from the beginning with the not so fun part of the story! Our team was originally scheduled to depart on October 1, 2016, but mother nature had something else in store … Continue reading Life-Changing Experience-1000 Smiles Project, Ochos Rios, Jamaica