Integrative Learning Reflection Paper:

International Dental Service Trip to Nicaragua

Sydney Rapp
 I decided to participate in this trip after speaking with Dr. Hickey

about the dental program/clinic they had started since I had last gone

on the trip in 2014. When I went my freshman year and was able to

provide medical care to the local villages as well as practice my

Spanish skills. I came back very humbled and grateful for what I had

here in the states and it is an experience I will never forget. Although I

loved the first trip I went on, as a Pre-Dental student I remember

wishing that I could be involved in what I was passionate about while

still experiencing the things I did on the first trip. After hearing about

the hands on experience the pre-dental students the year before got, I

decided it would definitely be worth it to go back.

As a biology major, I knew this trip would only improve my

knowledge of science, specifically the human body and the diseases

affecting it. To be honest though, one of the main reasons I wanted to

go on this trip was so I could feel like I was truly helping people and

keep myself grounded. While all my friends were off on their fun

spring breaks I was doing what I love, while also learning about myself

and coming to the realization that there is more to life than partying.

Unfortunately, there are not any courses in my major that align with

my aspirations of going to dental school. What I learned in Nicaragua is

totally different from the types of things I have learned, and will learn,

in my undergraduate career. I dont feel as though this service learning

experience necessarily aligned with much I have learned in an

academic course, however, I think this is where the benefit of the

course lies. It isnt often that students are able to be a part of

something that not only teaches them knowledge about the sciences,

but also cultural awareness. We learned about the history of Nicaragua,

the culture of its people, the language and the healthcare system.

Trust me when I say that its one thing to learn about a country and its

culture in class and another thing entirely to actually experience it. I

would say this aspect of the course aligns the most with my academic

curriculum is the language aspect. My minor is Spanish and while I like

to think that I know a lot about the language, I quickly found that I

have a lot of learn. While there, I was able to practice my Spanish and

learn the dialect of the area.

My goal with regards to my career is to get accepted into dental

school. Since this was a dental service-learning trip, I would definitely

say it relates well to my aspirations. I didnt just get to look over the

dentists shoulders while they did the work; I got hands on experience.

I learned how to do an oral exam and check for cavities. I learned how

to classify cavities and know the treatment that would follow. I got to

help with restorations and extractions and devise the post-op care for

the patient. Each day we had a lecture about various aspects of

dentistry and each day I felt more assured that this is what I want to

do. I loved learning about the science behind the mouth as well as how

important dental hygiene really is. I was inspired by the dentist, who
not only took care of her patients, but also explained why she was

doing what she was doing as well as why it is important for the patient

to take care of their mouth. I think a large issue in not only Nicaragua,

but also the US, is that people are not well informed about their health,

specifically how to take care of themselves. They are told to brush their

teeth and floss but not really told why they should, what will happen if

they dont and whats really happening in their mouth when they eat

something like a candy bar, which is high in sugar. I definitely feel like

this trip aligned very well with my personal aspirations.

Even though I had been on this trip once before, I would still say

that one of the biggest takeaways would be to stay humble and

grateful for what you have. I find myself worrying about trivial things

and am able to ground myself by thinking about the millions of people

all over the world who dont even own a toothbrush, who dont have

running water, air conditioning and all of the things I take for granted

every day. Another thing I find very refreshing is how genuinely happy

even the poorest of the people I came into contact with are. People

often see the states as a place with people who are too concerned

about money and their careers and dont focus enough on what

actually makes them happy. We should live to do what we love; money

isnt everything and we shouldnt live as though it was.