AmeriCorps Experience

During my time in the Dental Hygiene program at Salt Lake Community College, I had the honor of serving as an AmeriCorps member. Through this opportunity, I was able to give back to underserved communities by providing preventive and therapeutic dental care to individuals who may otherwise face barriers to accessing treatment.

My AmeriCorps service included clinical hours at low-cost community clinics, oral health education presentations, and hands-on patient care that emphasized both compassion and clinical excellence. I worked with patients of all ages and backgrounds, many of whom were facing significant financial, language, or transportation challenges. These experiences deepened my commitment to health equity and reinforced the importance of meeting patients where they are with empathy and respect.

AmeriCorps instilled in me a lifelong dedication to civic engagement, public health, and community-based care. It helped me see the true impact a dental hygienist can have—not just in individual treatment outcomes, but in advocating for healthier communities and empowering patients through education and prevention.

I am incredibly grateful for the experiences, connections, and personal growth I gained through AmeriCorps. It will remain a foundation of my professional values as I move forward in my career as a dental hygienist.