Dental Service Trip to Jamaica

The summer prior to enrolling in dental school I worked at a clinic that serviced one of the most economically depressed areas of Kingston, Jamaica. I witnessed first-hand the unique challenges that the staff faces on a daily basis. The clinic faced many problems, such as structural defects, lack of sufficient supplies, and shortage of dental professionals. I witnessed the staff endeavor to serve a large number of individuals, even though many of the basic necessities were nonexistent or dysfunctional. I also witnessed the frustration bore by the patients who stood in line for hours, sometimes with young children and babies, with the hopes of receiving some sort of dental care. Volunteering at this clinic, provided me with a better understanding of the present need in the pro-bono dental field, and further fortified my desire to help those in need.