According to the Jamaica Association of Public Dental Surgeons (JAPDENS), 45 percent of Jamaican children aged 1-9 years suffer from untreated dental caries. The economic impact is a loss of nearly $60 million in productivity due to the distressing effects of oral diseases. One dentist serves approximately 34,000 people in Jamaica.

The responsibility to serve in areas of great healthcare disparities is engrained in the students at Howard University’s College of Dentistry. For over 20 years, third- and fourth-year dental students have taken time during their summer breaks to participate in mission trips to Jamaica to deliver much needed oral care and education. Far from a luxury retreat, the Jamaica Mission allows students to develop and practice critical clinical skills in a challenging environment while delivering on our unwavering commitment to the underserved and the principles of Truth and Services held in the heart of every Bison.

I did not have the means to join this mission during my time as a student—a great regret of my time at Howard. Since joining the faculty, however, expanding access to this life-changing opportunity has been a passion of mine. Last year, the help of alumni, friends, and family, allowed 23 Howard University Dental students to treat over 1,200 patients and provide preventive care education in several neighborhoods in Kingston and Spanish Town in a week’s time. This year we want to bring even more smiles to the island by sending at least 30 students on the mission. The increased number of students will allow us to deliver exceptional care to hundreds of additional patients during our time on site. Donor support minimizes the barriers imposed by a students’ financial constraints and provides the resources to empower our students to share the empathy and compassion that drive the continued success of this mission. While every dollar matters, please consider a gift at one of the levels below:

$2500 – fully sponsor of a student

$1000 – sponsor a student’s lodging

$500 – sponsor a student’s airfare

It is a distinct pleasure to lead and chaperone our young dentists on this trip. Your support builds skills and remakes smiles that will change lives. Thank you for allowing us to give back and for helping to change the world.

Onward and Upward,

Dr. Reginald O. Salter ‘99