This experience has shown me the purest form of love by the people of Jamaica. I feel like a changed person from this trip, it has shaped me into a more compassionate person. I not only improved my clinical skills but also my people skills, I am a much stronger clinician for my patients because of this experience. This trip has validated my true passion in life is exactly this, helping others through this profession. This trip validated for me that this is exactly what I’m meant to be doing. The people we helped were so grateful and welcomed us with open arms. Going to the school and seeing the children was my favorite part of this trip, they were so loving and respectful and were so excited to learn from us. This trip is a memory that I will cherish forever and will never get tired of sharing the experience with other people. I would go back in a heartbeat and do it all over again!

– Hannah, SPC Jamaica Dental Study Abroad Program, October 2023

Wow, this Jamaica Study Abroad was absolutely an AMAZING trip and one that I will never forget! This was my first-time visiting Jamaica, so I did not know what to expect. From the moment we stepped foot in Jamaica, the people there were so loving and welcoming. We learned all about the culture as we headed to the resort. The hospitality surely made us feel safe and comfortable as tourist. Being able to provide dental services to the residents of Jamaica was an absolute pleasure. We went from seeing two patients per day at school to being able to see on average seven patients per day! We provided dental prophylaxis, exams, sealants, fluoride treatments and oral hygiene education to our patients. Many of our patients traveled hours on foot to receive treatment. Everyone was beyond grateful for the care they received. We also had the opportunity to provide dental education to a variety of different schools. The school that I provided education to was a special needs school. The students stood when you entered the room, had so much respect and were just so full of joy. It melted my heart to see them so happy and excited to build their knowledge on their oral hygiene education. This was such a rewarding opportunity and has shaped us to be even better students. Each of us returned feeling so much more competent. I feel that this trip has prepared us for what it’s like to be an actual hygienist after graduation. It is truly a once in a lifetime experience and I would recommend everyone to apply. Pictures and words doesn’t do it justice. You just have to be there and experience it for yourself. I am truly proud of the team of dental hygiene students and faculty that I was able to go on this trip with. We made an excellent team and worked hard together to provide exceptional care and ensure that each patient was taken care of. Thank you to SPC and Great Shape Inc for making this humanitarian possible for the students. I will carry the memories of this trip with me forever and I look forward to returning someday as a Dental Hygienist! “One Love”

– Asia, SPC Jamaica Dental Study Abroad Program, October 2023