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NOTE: Program Cancelled
Deadline: Mar. 1, 2020
Course Dates: Aug. 12 – Dec. 7, 2020
Travel Dates: Oct. 16- 25, 2020
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 2020 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
DEH 2702C Community Dental Health Practicum 1 credit
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.
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.
This trip was an amazing blessing. I am so grateful to have been selected to go and to have this type of opportunity offered through my college. Our stay in Jamaica consisted of days spent working in the clinics that we setup, teaching at local schools about oral health, and “cultural days” where we experienced … Continue reading SPC students experience Jamaica
Contagious happiness and generosity inspires long hours of service during study abroad in Jamaica. -Veronica Vazquez, SPC Student, Jamaica Dental Program, October 2018 The trip to Jamaica was a huge learning experience. From the initial brainstorming sessions for fundraisers until the last day of the trip, we had to learn how to capitalize on our … Continue reading SPC student commits to public health career after study in Jamaica
Applying concepts learned at SPC to serve a community in need becomes a heartwarming experience during study abroad in Jamaica – Elizabeth Cornelius, SPC Student, Jamaica Dental Program, October 2018 Being selected for the Jamaica Study Abroad Program was one of the best things that has ever happened to me. From start to finish, it was … Continue reading SPC student’s community service met with love in Jamaica
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
An unforgettable professional and cultural exchange during study abroad in Jamaica. -Nicole Robinson, SPC Student, Jamaica Dental Program, October 2018 “Being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure.” –Bob Marley. Vulnerability is what I allowed myself to experience in Jamaica. The love, kindness, and hospitality the people of Jamaica … Continue reading SPC student has “rewarding, spiritual, and life-changing experience” in Jamaica
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
Serving a community’s dental hygiene needs and fueling a desire and passion for service during study abroad in Jamaica. – Jennifer Wiegert, SPC Student, Jamaica Dental Program, October 2018 When I was first accepted into the Dental Hygiene program at St. Petersburg College, one of the opportunities offered was the Jamaica study abroad program. I didn’t … Continue reading SPC student greeted with smiles at dental clinics in Jamaica
It is hard to put into words such a life changing adventure. I have so many feelings when I think about my Jamaica Study Abroad Program experience. I think about my classmates that I became so close to, my leaders that I have been so inspired by, and the amazing people that we met. Each … Continue reading Participating in the Jamaica Study Abroad Program, 1000 Smiles Project