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 Antigua. One of my favorite places we visited was Devil’s Bridge, where we saw powerful waves and learned about the island’s history and natural beauty. Antigua truly has the bluest waters I have ever seen! Exploring the culture helped me feel more connected to the community we were serving.

Providing dental cleanings was the most meaningful part of the entire experience for me. Families were lined up for dental services as early as 5 in the morning, many with their children. This, to me, in itself was eye-opening, because it showed the need for oral care in the community and the extent that some people have to go to just to receive it. Some patients came in nervous, but they always left happier and more comfortable. Everyone was so grateful to learn more about oral hygiene, and it felt amazing to be able to provide that care. I felt grateful to use the skills I have been learning over the past two years to make a real difference. Even small moments, like helping a child feel comfortable and making their dental visit a positive experience, meant so much to me. The gratitude from patients is something I will never forget, and it reminded me why I chose dental hygiene in the first place.

This trip truly changed my perspective and strengthened my passion for helping others through compassionate, patient-centered care. I was very upset about leaving, but I will definitely be back in the future on more dental mission trips.

– Grisilda, SPC Antigua Dental Study Abroad Program, January 2026