Dental and Dental Hygiene Students Expand Their Horizons Through Global Education
The College of Dentistry is giving students a chance to learn beyond the classroom through its new Global Initiatives Program.
Thanks to partnerships with schools and organizations around the world—such as São Paulo State University in Brazil, Pacific Dental Services in Guatemala, and the Institute of Science Tokyo in Japan— dental and dental hygiene students can take part in hands‑on learning in other countries.
This program offers a deep, faculty‑led experience during times when the college clinics are closed, such as during school breaks. Students can earn elective course credit while learning about global oral health and providing care in real-world settings.
I've always been passionate about using my dental skills to help underserved communities, and a service trip is the perfect way to do that. Working alongside other dental professionals in this setting not only helps the people we serve but also deepens our understanding of compassion, need and the moral side of care.
The service trip to the Pacific Dental Services Clinica Dental in Guatemala was an invaluable learning experience and the greatest supplement to my dental education and career so far. This experience challenged me, strengthened my clinical skills, and taught me to be adaptable, efficient, and work with a team, while also improving my Spanish-speaking ability. The smiles expressed by the patients following their treatment made the experience so gratifying and unforgettable, and will continue to motivate me to provide compassionate, patient-centered, prevention-focused care.
