Driven by a commitment to making a difference, senior Athena Marca traveled to Jamaica to bring vital dental care to hundreds of people in underserved communities. The trip was organized by Health Care International Reach Out, with the goal of providing critical dental care for communities all around Jamaica.
“The second my aunt offered for me to join her on the trip, it was an immediate yes,” Marca said. “I couldn’t wait to go out there and practice my passion.”
Each day of the five-day trip, Marca drove to different communities around the island. The group would set up a mini clinic either in a school or church. The volunteers would divide into teams for fluoride treatments, sterilization, exams, and extractions. According to Marca, there was no way to save the teeth of most of the patients. They could only be treated with extractions.
“Personally, I enjoyed helping with the extractions the most,” Marca explained. “I was able to see up close and experience the hard work dental students put in every day. I even got to pull the teeth out myself and perform a stitch in one of the patients’ mouths. It was disheartening to realize that these communities had no real concept of oral hygiene, and I was glad I was able to help. Additionally, they don’t have fluoride in their water, so I was able to provide fluoride treatments for hundreds of kids.”
According to Marca, after her three-to-six hour work day, she had time to hang out with all the children. Marca taught them to play lacrosse, and she shared that she was able to learn about their traditional Jamaican schoolyard games.
“This was a highlight of my trip because it was an amazing experience being able to make connections with these kids,” Marca said. “I quickly learned that despite the poverty and challenges they endure, they are full of joy and fun in their loving communities. I loved seeing them laughing and running around with their friends.”
Marca shares that this trip was a confirmation that she wants to work in the healthcare field. She plans to visit her aunt and uncle’s oral construction practice in Florida this summer to learn more about the dentistry field and their work. According to Marca, she is excited to take these experiences into the following years in college as she starts down the pre-dental and pre-med tracks.
Marca’s passion for dentistry began when she interned for South Bay Dental Smiles this past summer. Marca has been interested in healthcare since she was young, and has always had an itch to combine her love for science with her desire to help others.
“Through my internship this past summer, I quickly learned that through this career path, I would get to work hands-on daily,” Marca said. “I realized dentistry is not just for cosmetics, but improper oral hygiene can have serious effects.”
According to Marca, her aunt and uncle have been participating in the trip yearly since 2003. The trip is sponsored by Health Care International Reach Out, and Marca is grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful experience.
“This trip was life-changing and I will forever be grateful for the memories I made and the skills I learned,” Marca explained.
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