International Programs Office
Klump Academic Center, Rm. 7B · (570) 326-3761, ext. 5257
Nicaragua - Short-term Study Abroad
Penn College offers a short-term study abroad opportunity for bachelor degree completion dental hygiene students to work with a licensed Nicaraguan dentist to administer preventative care and dental education in an improvised clinical setting in Managua, Nicaragua.
Program dates:
February 20–27, 2009 [itinerary
& details (PDF)]
Application deadline (including $500 deposit): October 15, 2008
This study abroad program brings a selected group of bachelor degree completion students in the Dental Hygiene program and two Penn College faculty members to work with indigent children at La Escuelita (the little school) in Managua, Nicaragua. Students and faculty perform clinical exams and oral prophylaxis under the direct supervision of a licensed Nicaraguan dentist and with the approval of the Ministry of Health. Access to interpreters who will assist in communicating oral hygiene instructions and the role of plaque and nutrition on dental health for students, parents and teachers will be provided. This is an excellent opportunity for students to enhance their dental hygiene skills, learn to adapt dental hygiene services to a nontraditional setting, and apply their knowledge of global health needs to the host site.