Smiles Around the World: Bridging Gaps in Dental Health

Presenter: Chelsea Guzman, Public Health Science, Global Public Health Scholars

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 For my practicum, I did a winter internship at a small organization called Smiles on Wings. Smiles on Wings is a nonprofit organization that focuses on humanitarian help in dental, medical, and educational help in Thailand and the United States. For the internship, I was a dental assistant at the White Oak location for Smiles on Wings. However, I networked with multiple people in different locations in the internship and we all worked together. During my internship, I helped with tasks such as sterilization, collaborated with dentists on creating effective and easy home cleaning plans, provided care bags, and equipped patients with hygiene knowledge. My favorite task was setting up trays for the volunteer dentists. We had specific trays, such as restorative or prophy, which allow you to perform certain procedures. 

     Some public health connections that I saw commonly with the patients I attended was oral screening for cancers. Signs of oral cancer can be seen and need to be treated as soon as possible because we could possibly treat it with medication if it is at an early stage. It could also help with periodontal disease, which affects primarily the gums.  Another public health connection that ensures a sterile environment and materials for patients. I would wipe down many surfaces and help sterilize materials that are reused. Afterwards, I would bag all of the instruments and put them into the autoclave. lization shifted my perspective as each appointment also became a chance to confront broader health barriers and advance equity through care.