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Armstrong Atlantic State University
College of Health Professions
Department of Dental Hygiene
Study Abroad Service Learning Program
Belize City, Belize
March 2009
The Department of Dental Hygiene began a Study Abroad Service Learning Program to Belize City, Belize, Central America this year as a component of the DHED 4420, International Dental Hygiene Perspectives course. The objectives for the study abroad program included those in which the students would be able: |
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• To compare dental health needs of communities in other countries with those of the United States, specifically those located in the Savannah, Georgia and coastal regions;
• To describe the culture of the country visited;
• Utilize various teaching methods and plan an educational program for a group of school children; and,
• Participate in clinical procedures.
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The objectives, in partnership with Project Smile, were accomplished by seven dental hygiene students and five dental hygiene faculty who traveled to Belize City, Central America during Spring Break, 2009. Those students participating were Allison Clark, Amber Hadwin, Jenna Smith, Shawna Mitchell, Tamiko Harvey, Jaye Motchan, and Vera Peterson. Dr. Suzanne Edenfield, Ms. Jan Mengle, Mrs. Sandy Helmly, Mrs. Kaye Thigpen, and Dr. Stephen Acuff also participated as faculty supervisors. |
The mission of the trip was to provide dental hygiene services (cleanings, fluoride applications, and sealants) to the area's school children. School children from ages 4 to 12 received dental hygiene services. Monday through Thursday students provided dental hygiene treatment and presented oral hygiene instruction to the students in the classes at St. Mary's School. A total of 405 cleanings, examinations, and fluoride applications were performed. Additionally, 656 sealants were placed.
During the visit the team experienced an annual celebrated event called “Culture Day,” where the four year old students dressed in their native cultural attire. More than thirty cultures were represented in this ceremony. Cultures represented included Inca, Mayan, Aztec, Peruvian, Islander, and Creole. In addition, a diverse array of ethnic food was shared at lunchtime. Additionally, the students attended a lecture on Mayan history and culture presented by Dr. Acuff. |
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This trip was indeed a life changing experience for each one of the participants.
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