One of the greatest highlights throughout my journey in dental hygiene school has been the opportunity to travel to Jamaica. This opportunity allowed me to apply all the concepts that I have learned to be able to provide quality care to Jamaicans who reside in underserved communities. The moment that I arrived in Jamaica, I felt welcomed by the residents. When we arrived at the clinic, I was astounded to see and hear that some people traveled hours by walking and waited in extreme weather conditions just to be seen for dental care. Each patient that I encountered was very thankful for the services. I sensed their gratitude through the hugs that I received and the smiles that I saw throughout my time in Jamaica. The clinic rotation in Jamaica allowed me to hone my clinical skills to prepare me for my career as a dental professional and the value of making a difference in a person’s health by providing dental treatment.

During this trip, we were also provided the opportunity to travel to various schools in the community. The students were very respectful and receptive to our oral hygiene presentation.  A few kids even mentioned they remembered SPC’s presentation from previous years. This shows the impact that our college makes in Jamaica. While at the school, I saw a sign in the main office that mentioned “Be the type of person that no matter where you go or are, you always add value to the lives of those around you!” This experience allowed me to make this quote a reality. I will always cherish and be grateful for the opportunity I had to educate, service, and bond with the people of Jamaica. One Love!

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

This trip went by way too fast and I can’t believe we’re already back in the states. This experience has changed me and my skills as a clinician in so many ways. Right away I learned we needed to be resourceful, creative, and flexible. We needed to learn how to provide the best service to our patients with the resources we had. While we were fortunate to have a full working clinic with great equipment, there were a few items that worked differently than they did in our clinic.  The biggest change is that I, for the first time, really felt I was helping the patients and making a real difference in their lives. Up until this point, I had felt as though I was indebted to the patients we saw at the SPC the clinic. As in the patients were doing me a favor by sitting for appointments in order to help with my experience and helping me meet my program requirements. In Jamaica, I was able to see the real difference I was making in the patients’ lives in helping them improve their health and livelihood. I was able to see this through the wonderful feedback from the local residents and through their immense gratitude for the services we were providing. I could have never expected this shift in my mindset before this trip. It is something that has given me the confidence boost I needed to become a good clinician. To future dental hygiene students, I would highly recommend participating in this experience. It will teach you the skills that you are unable to learn in classroom or clinic setting.

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

Jamaica was an experience of a lifetime. I was able to grow physically, mentally, and clinically! Everyday brought a new adventure and new amazing people. I was shown so much love, beauty, joy, and kindness. One of my favorite days was working in the clinic. Each clinic day I got to meet a new beautiful soul. One of the days I worked with one of the other volunteers and placed fluoride on preschoolers teeth. The way the little kids lit up when we walked into the classroom was sweet. It was crazy to think that at that age they were excited to just be given fluoride. They all rushed up after finishing to give hugs and appreciation. The memories I made in Jamaica will forever be with me and help influence the person I am today. I look forward to one day going back as a more experienced clinician to help this astonishing community again!– Bailee, SPC Jamaica Dental Study Abroad Program, October 2023