Cora Ueland Scholarship Recipients 2011

Jessica Sanchez

How do you intend to implement and maximize your potential in your future dental hygiene career?

The field of dental hygiene is ever changing with the promise of advancement and improvement in awareness being at its all time high. I believe in our commitment as a profession to bridging the disparities in access to care and raising awareness of the oral-systemic health correlation.This career path is truly impactful, integrating comprehensive knowledge of health, skill in the oral cavity, compassion for all, and our potential to heal and improve the lives and overall health of those we treat. This is a life long commitment that I have devoted a vast amount of energy and passion towards.This passion began as a sophomore in high school, when it became my goal not only work in private practice, but to provide oral health care services and education to children and the under represented population.

Since acceptance into the hygiene program, I've participated in every extracurricular volunteer opportunity available and joined a nonprofit organization aimed at preventing pediatric dental disease. Between these two commitments, I have implemented tooth brushing programs in 9 low-income preschool classes and oral health education to 4 elementary school classes, while participating in national events such as Give Kids A Smile. I receive the greatest joy as a student in the profession by giving my time to make little changes that can possibly amount to the next generation of heightened awareness of health.

Upon completion of the dental hygiene program,I will pursue a masters in public health. I believe that my educational advancement in the area of public health will be critical in my success in implementing public health policy and providing the maximum benefit to the dentally underserved members of society in this time of changing public policy. I hope to work for a government agency to fight for oral health to be in the shared spotlight with overall health and awareness. I also plan to push for funding to implement sealant and oral health programs in title I elementary schools.

One of my short term goals upon graduation is to implement basic dental services and education at a local homeless shelter that I have volunteered with since high school. I also plan to help organize the yearly Give Kids A Smile events with my local dental society component. A goal that is very dear to my heart is my plan to travel to other countries to provide basic oral hygiene services to those with complete lack of care. I met a dentist at a recent CDA convention who travels to a country in the Middle East as a dental relief project and I have since become emotionally involved in such a humanitarian trip of this kind. The reason why I became interested in the dental field was to satisfy my desire to change peoples' lives. It's my dream and pleasure to serve the community and will actively continue doing so for many decades to come.

Dental Related Activities

Since acceptance into the dental hygiene program, I have participated in many extracurricular dental related volunteer opportunities, all of which include working with children and the underrepresented members of society. I have also continued to be a loyal volunteer at a local homeless shelter where I plan to organize a dental education program, all while maintaining a 4.0 in school. I also look forward to participating in the Give Kids A Smile event, as I did in 2010.

I am currently a board member for a local student chapter of the nation's largest nonprofit organization aimed at preventing pediatric dental disease. Our mission is to eliminate preventable pediatric dental disease and ensure that underserved children can receive the oral health care they deserve. We have implemented 9 tooth brushing programs in 4 preschools comprised of children whose parents are of low socioeconomic status. Many of the children are homeless and would otherwise not be taught proper home care techniques. We're working on other projects in the community including finding qualified children to receive free dental work through a grant from our parent organization.

I'm working on another extracurricular community education program at a local woman's shelter. I will visit transient women and children every other month to provide oral health education and nutritional counseling to help bridge the disparities in oral health awareness .I have volunteered with this shelter in the past and am extremely excited to share my knowledge with the families. This isn't the first educational lecture I've given of this kind. In October, I lectured to parents of a Title I elementary school on various aspects of oral health and prevention. I've given similar lectures to 3 elementary school classes where I helped with dental screenings and application of fluoride varnish.

SUSAN HONG

How do you intend to implement and maximize your potential in your future dental hygiene career?

After graduation, I plan to enter into public health education and teaching in my long term career goals. I was originally motivated by my professors to participate in JEP. One particular faculty member has been a true inspiration and mentor during my first year due to her high level of professionalism, patient guidance, and warm-hearted demeanor. I intend to contribute in the educational branch of dental hygiene to help students to become excellent practitioners and one day inspire others to teach as well.

As an educator,I aspire to support students to become active members of the dental hygiene field. Many patients lack the knowledge and skills to maintain proper oral hygiene at home after dental treatments,decreasing their long term prognosis. Patient education and prevention is a major objective in the dental hygiene profession.My goal is to encourage patients and dental hygienists to facilitate a relationship that extends past the routine visit but continues into patient health behaviors at home.

Volunteering my time in order to promote patients to value their oral health is extremely gratifying. As a first year student, I am excited to expand my commitment to community service programs. I am proud to be entering a program that upholds the importance of volunteerism and I look forward to the ability to maintain my passion for service in my future career as an educator and volunteer.

Dental Related Activities

Currently, I am involved in three community programs that serve local under-privileged communities, which include Health Fairs, Mobile Clinic, and another organization. Health Fairs tend to have a light-hearted atmosphere that I enjoy because patients are more open and receptive to information. Individuals who attend are generally more approachable because they do not expect invasive dental procedures to be preformed.They are more inquisitive which helps me demonstrate and responsive, a more engaging patient prevention education.

Mobile Clinic,on the other hand, permits me to be more involved with patients in a clinical setting. It has been exciting to be working closely with patients.My experiences with these patients have enlightened my awareness for under-served communities that do not have regular access to affordable dental services. As I work more directly with patients and other volunteers, it has motivated me to become a more active member in these organizations. I intend to apply for Mobile Clinic Coordinator once the Summer 2011 application becomes available so that I will be able to help organize volunteers and local sponsors. After graduation, I plan to continue with my active community involvement in Mobile Clinic and other similar organizations it allows me to fulfill my ambition to help improve because the lives of others.

Another organization I volunteer for operates similarly to Mobile Clinic. It provides dental care to communities in need and promotes patient education.lt is a great mixture of both Health Fairs and Mobile Clinic because, after dental services are provided, patients are given individual guidance on how to maintain their oral health at home.

In addition, I am the Treasurer for the Student Members of ADHA for my graduating class of 2012. As treasurer, I have gained vital leadership and organizational skills as I organize manage class fundraiser's, funds, and participate during ADHA conferences.