Helping Hands Dental Clinic Mission Trip Report
This June, over a dozen CMDA Canada dental students from the University of Winnipeg joined a Christian Dental Society mission in Jamaica. Below are a few selections from their reports.
Are Cheon (Class of 2027)
Through this mission trip to Jamaica, I came to understand in a very real way the truth of Acts 20:35: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” In giving, I found myself receiving far more than I ever expected.
On the first day, many of us struggled to find the right instruments. We needed burs like the 330, forceps for right or left extractions, the Minnesota retractor, or etch, and everything was mixed within a room full of unfamiliar supplies. I offered to be the runner and asked people to call my name whenever they needed something. My intention was simply to support our team so we could treat patients more efficiently. Yet, the role gave me so much in return. I became familiar with all the instruments, learned new instruments and materials that had not yet been covered in school, and built friendships with upper-year students who later guided me when I needed help.
And then, of course, there were the patients. The people of Jamaica showed remarkable resilience and grace. Their patience with us as students was humbling, and their joy was unforgettable.
I remember the patient whose discolored front teeth we restored. After the treatment, she smiled with joy and thankfulness. Another patient left relieved and amazed at how quick and painless her extraction had been. A patient came for his very first dental cleaning. He had no cavities, but presented with molar-incisor pattern periodontitis, and he promised to return regularly to protect his teeth. Each of these encounters deepened my sense of purpose in pursuing dentistry, not only as a career, but as a calling to serve.
I will always carry with me the teamwork we built and the gratitude I felt from every patient. This experience has taught me not to be afraid of giving, because God has shown me that in giving, we are always blessed in ways we could never anticipate.
Brendan Scott (Class of 2027)
My mission trip experience was truly life changing. As a second-year dental student, I was nervous about the work I would be doing. My nerves quickly changed to confidence with the amazing instructors that came on the trip. Dr. Josh, Dr. Terry, and Dr. Ray were amazing mentors and taught me not only dentistry, but religious values and life lessons. The trip allowed me to become even closer to God and I gained a stronger connection to my classmates. Being able to volunteer my time for the Treasure Beach community has been an honour and a blessing. I look forward to coming back for many years to come!
Matthew Sawka (Class of 2026)
As a lifelong Ukrainian Catholic and a member of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, I’ve grown up surrounded by the values of 
humility, service, and compassion. These principles have been reinforced by my family, my church, and my community. Having the opportunity to care for patients during dental school has been incredibly fulfilling. When I heard about the chance to join a mission trip with the Christian Dental Society and CMDA Canada, I didn’t hesitate to sign up.
Before our clinic days began, our team had the chance to bond at YS Falls, where we shared laughs, meals, ziplining, and swimming. It was a great way to strengthen our connections. Many of us already knew each other, but for the new faces, friendships formed quickly, preparing our hearts for the days of service ahead.
Each clinic day was long, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. We provided cleanings, fillings, and extractions to patients who had been waiting from dawn till dusk to see us that day. The moment you said goodbye to one patient, another was already waiting — each with a story, a need, and a grateful smile. It was humbling to witness how far some patients had traveled just to be seen, and how deeply appreciative everyone was.
Every case — whether it was complicated or simple — was a unique learning experience, not only in dentistry, but in faith. With each patient, we grew in clinical confidence and in trust that the Lord was with us every step of the way. I’m deeply thankful for the opportunity to serve, and I carry these experiences with me as a reminder of why I chose this profession: to care for others with skill, compassion, and humility.
Ireti Olagbemi (Class of 2025)
One evening left a lasting imprint on my heart. After restoring the smile of a young gentleman, he simply said, “Thank you.” But in that moment, I saw something deeper. The transformation was undeniable. Later that night, I found myself in tears, overwhelmed by the privilege of being able to touch a life so meaningfully. I wished I had embraced him, just to let him know that this gift, this skill, was entrusted to me by God, and I will continue to use this gift to glorify Him. God’s presence was palpable every single day. His mercy, truly, is new every morning. This journey was not just about dental care — it was a sacred assignment. I believe missions like this spread the Gospel in preparation for Christ’s second coming. Starting right where I am — Winnipeg, Lagos, and beyond — I long to continue serving.
Jinhyeok Her (Class of 2026)
Through my volunteer work with the CMDA Canada on a dental mission trip to Jamaica, I performed surgical extractions, restorations, cleaning, and patient education in an underserved rural community. Working under limited resources, I adapted quickly and supported the clinical team in delivering efficient, compassionate care.
This experience reinforced my commitment to community-focused dentistry. I learned to communicate clearly with both patients and team members, often working through language barriers using translators. These moments sharpened my interpersonal skills and taught me the importance of cultural sensitivity in care delivery.
Clinically, I gained confidence in hands-on procedures and strengthened my understanding of treatment planning in real-world contexts. Observing experienced dentists and participating in their workflow gave me insight into the type of practitioner I hope to become — competent, collaborative, and community-minded.
The organization’s mission to provide accessible care aligned strongly with my own goals as a future dentist. I look forward to continuing this work through future outreach and service initiatives.
Tee-Tee Appah (Class of 2026)
Having the opportunity to travel to Jamaica in June changed me for the better. I have always been raised on the principle that prayer was important. I grew up in a religious African household, where going to church every Sunday and saying our prayers before meals and bed was second nature. As I grew older, I found myself growing distant from the church while still being present. I was in church and still I doubted my faith in God. While I still used my religion as a moral compass for decisions in my life, I still felt I was missing something.
When I heard about the Jamaica mission trip, I was thrilled! Having the opportunity to travel to a country that I had never been to 
before and being able to deliver dental care to those in need was an opportunity I needed to seize. I bought my plane ticket and counted down the days until I would be in Jamaica.
From the first day, we were hard at work doing everything from extractions to filling to cleanings in the hot Jamaican sun. Our days would start around 9am. By that time, many people were gathered, waiting to have their various dental concerns heard. Pastor Rowe, an elderly woman who helped coordinate the program and acted as a matriarch in the community, started off everyday with singing and a prayer. On the first day, I stood in the back wondering how people who had so little could sing with the same gusto and pride as those who had everything. I was instantly humbled to be in their presence. While I was not able to understand all the words of the prayer, I understood that not every language barrier needs to be crossed. God hears all prayers no matter the language, volume, or person. After the first day, I made sure to stand in the front to truly immerse myself in the quotidian activity.
The dental work offered a unique experience that allowed me to work closely with the patients and learn new skills. One of my first extraction patients involved the extraction of a lower left wisdom tooth. Their bone was extremely dense and it eventually became a surgical extraction. My brave patient was in their early twenties and had plans to return to work later that day. He was extremely calm and after close to two hours of pulling and drilling still thanked us for the work we performed. I developed a very deep sense of gratitude knowing that I had made a difference in one person’s life and I wanted to continue to do the same. Regardless of how tired, hot, or thirsty I was, I made sure to deliver the highest standard of care I was able to give. I worked on a few children who had never been to the dentist and I did my best to ensure that their fears and concerns were heard so that they would have a positive view of dental care. As we said grace every night, I would pray for all the patients I saw and those I did not see, that they would be protected. I reflected on the fact that these were people who had been dealt a completely different set of cards than me in life, and they were not letting it hold them back.
Towards the end of the trip, I realized my disconnect from the church was the result of my lack of action. I had my faith and belief in God, but where was the action to show that I was exercising my faith? How can one truly be a follower of God if you are not willing to serve his people? I would be remiss if I said I have never doubted my faith since I have been back, but I have learnt the power of volunteering even on a smaller scale to give back and deepen my relationship with Christ. For me personally, the beauty of Jamaica was not in the beautiful landscape and scenery, but rather with the people who helped me find the beauty of my faith once again.
Each of these students (and several more) were able to attend this mission in part because of CMDA Canada’s $1000 mission elective bursary. If you would like to support more students like these, please go to cmdacanada.org/donate.