Shoreline Community College dental hygiene students recently returned from Bolivia where they participated in a two-week service-learning trip providing dental education and services to 300 children in Villa Tunari, a community of about 3,100 people just over 270 miles from the capital of Sucre.
This is the fifth year Shoreline dental hygiene students have traveled to Bolivia in partnership with the non profit Smiles Forever. “We continue leading these trips because of the invaluable student experiences and life-changing takeaways students gain going through the service learning,” said trip leader Ashley Castaneda, 1st Year and Restorative Dental Hygiene Clinical Instructor at Shoreline.
As 64% of Bolivia’s population lives at or below the poverty line, a main goal of the trip was raising students’ understanding of how simple healthcare practices can make a positive difference in impoverished communities. Students developed advanced skills through hands-on learning while teaching basic and significant dental care to indigenous people.
“The definite highlight of the trip was the volunteer work and seeing the same group of kids that we saw last year and meeting new kids,” said Castaneda. “This was also the clear highlight for the students.”
Additionally, participants took a cultural excursion to Machu Picchu in Peru and the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia.
Students involved in the service learning commented on the ability of the children to “trust strangers to work in their mouth although we speak different languages,” said Castaneda. “One Shoreline student in particular was especially surprised at how willing the kids were to cooperate in the oral exam process and how excited they were to be seen.”
Students also learned how to provide oral care in an environment not set up for health care services. “Being able to be flexible and follow our standards of care when the setting does not allow for it due to lack of materials or equipment is important,” said Castaneda. “We strive to not compromise our standards due to change in environment, although it takes a village to find solutions.”
The trip was Castaneda’s second to Bolivia through Shoreline’s study abroad program, and her first as solo trip leader. “I first started in pediatrics after I graduated hygiene school so was excited for the opportunity to serve kids again,” said Castaneda. “After returning from the study abroad program, many students continue to provide dental care within their own communities as well as other countries in similar ways.”
The Study Abroad, Bolivia program was developed by Shoreline’s lead dental instructor, Rosie Bellert, who won the Heiskell Award for the program. The Heiskell Award showcases innovative and successful models for internationalization of campuses, study abroad, and international partnership programs.
Learn more about Shoreline’s dental hygiene program or other study abroad opportunities.