Dental hygiene student Kristina Hsu is an international smile-maker
Story by Misty Bouse. Submitted photos.
Caribbean grade schoolers, adults in custody, and community members are smiling more brightly thanks to Kristina Hsu. The Portland Community College Dental Hygiene student spent part of her summer volunteering on a smile-giving trip to Saint Lucia, an island nation in the Eastern Caribbean.
On location with the Great Shape! Inc.’s 1000 Smiles Project.
Hsu, a second-year student and parent, kept her skills sharp while making a meaningful impact through Great Shape! Inc.’s 1000 Smiles Project. The weeklong program brings together international volunteer dental professionals and students with local dental and administrative staff to offer free care in temporary clinics.
“The experience helped improve my clinical confidence and broadened my cultural awareness,” Hsu said. “It also helped to build camaraderie within the wider dental community.”
Back home, PCC faculty were not surprised that Hsu volunteered for the 1000 Smiles project.
“Kristina consistently demonstrates poise and empathy in her patient care, creating a calm and compassionate experience for those she treats,” said PCC Dental Hygiene Instructor Reatha White. “She’s a dedicated learner who approaches every opportunity with professionalism and a genuine desire to grow.”
Hsu, of Hood River, joined the organization after learning that the 1000 Smiles Project brings vital dental care to underserved communities in Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Turks and Caicos, and The Bahamas. According to greatshapeinc.org, some rural areas have just one public dentist per 100,000 residents, and untreated dental issues can lead to serious health and economic consequences. A healthy smile, they note, can even determine whether someone secures a job in the tourism industry.
Kristina Hsu.
During Hsu’s stint in Saint Lucia, she provided dozens of cleanings and basic dental hygiene education at Marchand Elementary School, a Sandals Resort clinic, and the Bordelais Correctional Facility. But it was not all hard work.
After clinic hours, volunteers were able to enjoy Saint Lucia’s beaches and culture. Through the Sandals Foundation, volunteers received complimentary accommodations, island transportation and evening entertainment.
Hsu plans to continue serving patients as she completes her studies and helps to staff the PCC Dental Clinic that provides free preventive and limited restorative dental services to the community, PCC faculty, staff, and students. The clinic is located on the third floor of the Vanport Building.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit its webpage.