Dental Hygiene Students Embark on Life-Changing Mission to the Dominican Republic

Pennsylvania College of Technology dental hygiene students recently embarked on a transformative journey to the Dominican Republic, where they provided essential oral healthcare services to over 250 children in four villages. This remarkable experience not only allowed them to apply their skills in a global context but also opened their eyes to the stark disparities in access to dental care around the world.

Empowering Smiles, Transforming Lives

Discovering a New World of Dental Care

The group of four students, including Alexandra M. Shenk, Rachel A. Doyle, Brittany N. Fegley, and Isabel M. Horst, traveled to the Dominican Republic as part of the college's "Global Experience: Oral Healthcare Field Experience" class. Their mission was to deliver much-needed dental care to underserved communities, a goal that resonated deeply with the students."I've always wanted to travel, so why not travel and do what I love, which is helping other people be able to smile," said Shenk, a recent graduate with an associate degree in dental hygiene.The students' journey took them to the once-thriving family vacation destination of Sosua, where they partnered with the CUPS Mission to reach remote villages. They were confronted with a stark reality: many Dominicans live on less than $2 a day, and the lack of access to basic oral hygiene supplies and knowledge has had a devastating impact on children's dental health.

Overcoming Challenges, Delivering Care

The students faced numerous challenges during their time in the Dominican Republic. One day, they hiked 3 miles up a steep trail to reach a mountaintop village, carrying their supplies in donkey saddle bags and backpacks. On another day, they set up a makeshift clinic on a basketball court, working in the tropical climate without air conditioning.Despite these obstacles, the students remained determined to provide the best possible care. They cleaned teeth, applied silver diamine fluoride to arrest decay, and filled decayed areas with glass ionomer, a tooth-colored substance that slowly releases fluoride to help re-mineralize the teeth and prevent further decay."Not only was it more productive in the number of patients we treated, but it also has been proven to be more effective," said Patricia A. Durand, a part-time instructor of dental hygiene who accompanied the students on the journey.

Inspiring Joy and Education

The students quickly learned that making the experience fun for the children was an essential part of their mission. They provided free toothbrushes and taught proper brushing techniques, with the help of an interpreter. In the mountaintop village of Alto de la Jagua, they even taught adults how to keep their children's teeth healthy from birth."My primary goal is to educate them, because if they don't understand why they're developing dental caries (cavities), we can keep going every year, but we're going to keep seeing decay," said Rhonda J. Seebold, the part-time instructor of dental hygiene who leads the Global Experience class.The students' efforts were met with immense gratitude and joy from the local communities. Alumna Claudia D. Friskey, who had previously participated in the program, returned to the Dominican Republic to experience the heartwarming connections she had made with the children."There's nothing more heartwarming than when a child smiles at you and gives you the biggest hug for doing something we may see as miniscule," Friskey said.

Transformative Experiences, Lasting Impact

The trip to the Dominican Republic proved to be a life-changing experience for the students, who gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those with limited access to dental care."It really opened my eyes because not everyone has the accessibility and financial means to get proper dental treatment," Shenk said. "It made me want to come here (to the Dominican) even more to help others who can't afford treatment."The students' experiences in the Dominican Republic have inspired them to continue finding ways to serve others, both locally and globally. As Doyle reflected, "It really makes you feel helpful to see that you are making a difference."The faculty leading the Global Experience class, Seebold and Durand, are equally inspired by the students' dedication and the impact they make. "They think they are going to serve these children — and they are," Seebold said. "They come away saying, 'But I feel like we got more from them than we gave.'"The dental hygiene students' journey to the Dominican Republic has not only transformed the lives of the children they served but has also left an indelible mark on their own personal and professional development. This experience has equipped them with a global perspective and a renewed commitment to making a difference in the lives of those in need, both at home and around the world.