IU Fort Wayne Dental Hygiene Students Prepare for Service Trip to Honduras

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) — Students and faculty from the Indiana University School of Dentistry at IU Fort Wayne are gearing up for an impactful service trip to Honduras, where they will provide dental care to underserved communities.

The trip, set to take place from Friday until February 8, will give students the opportunity to apply their clinical skills in a real-world environment, helping those who might not otherwise have access to dental services. This trip is part of the school’s commitment to community outreach and hands-on learning experiences for its students.

A Unique Learning Opportunity

Steve Ellinwood, Director of Dental Education at IU Fort Wayne, explains that this experience will offer students — many of whom are set to graduate soon — the chance to work in a fast-paced setting, different from their local clinics. “Down there we’re working and we’re working at a pretty fast pace,” Ellinwood shared. The experience promises to be both rewarding and challenging, providing invaluable exposure to diverse dental care needs.

service trip, students, healthcare outreach

Students Share Their Excitement

For students like Jasmine Diaz and Brittany Baiz, this trip is more than just an educational opportunity. It’s a chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals who might not have easy access to dental care. “It’s amazing because I know not everyone gets this opportunity,” Diaz said. Baiz added, “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” emphasizing the unique and significant nature of the trip.

Making a Difference

This mission trip highlights the school’s dedication to using education and service to address disparities in healthcare, particularly in remote and underserved regions like Honduras. By providing free dental services, the students and faculty are not only gaining experience but also improving the health and well-being of the communities they serve.

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