Two groups of 12 students and 4 faculty members from the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry provided much-needed care to people in Guatemala and the Philippines during service trips taken this semester.

Guatemala

More than 180 patients were treated in Guatemala over the course of the four-day trip.

“While we're at school, there's a lot of emphasis on clinical skills. But when you're out of the country, you really see the underserved communities and you develop a deeper understanding of global health disparities,” said Jane Yu ’25. 

The students worked out of a dental clinic in Xenacoj, providing cleanings, direct restorations, extractions and root canal therapies, as well as sealant and fluoride applications. They established an efficient system for recording patient medical histories and needs on paper, as there are no computers in the clinic.

“There's limited access to dental care in certain areas of the world that lead to chronic pain, systemic health issues and social stigma. Even the basic services we can provide alleviate a lot of that. It really humbles me as a provider, and it opens my eyes and inspires me to keep reaching out to those communities with empathy and be able to adapt, and it helps develop more cultural sensitivity,” Yu said. 

The clinic was established by the Pacific Dental Services Foundation in 2015 and serves patients all year with the support of volunteers, dental students and residents.

"Taking part in the dental service trip to Guatemala was an eye-opening experience. It was incredible to see the impact we could make by providing care to underserved communities, and it truly reinforced my passion for dentistry and the power of giving back. This trip has been one of my favorite experiences from my time at Dugoni," said Ruth Rauca ’25. 

Philippines

The other group of students and faculty travelled to the province of Cebu in the Philippines, marking the dental school’s first return to the Philippines since 2019.

During the trip, students met with the vice principal of Guadalupe Elementary School where he expressed gratitude for the services and care Dugoni students provide and gave them an update on the staggering need for dental care in the region.

“With only one community dentist assigned to 127 schools and few free clinic locations, children often wait years for a free clinic appointment which can affect the children’s ability to learn and thrive. Hearing this reinforced the significance of our mission, leaving me with a profound sense of the difference we made, the lasting impact of our work, and the power of empathy in patient care,” said Bianca Bondoc ’25. 

Both trips are planned and executed by student leaders. They manage a budget, order and pack supplies, book travel plans and provide the services. Students work under the guidance of faculty but are empowered to direct the trip independently. 

The experience, and teamwork required to provide these services, is something Yu says will inform her career. “The empathy that we have for one another really shines throughout the whole week, regardless of a language barrier or not, it's the eye contact and what the eyes say to the other person and the patient, you can really see it. I think that's something that will stick with me for a long time.”