Shaping the Futures of Oral Healthcare Professionals

Quick Facts

• 21.6% of adults in Hawaii have not seen a dentist in the past year.

Shaping the Futures of Oral Healthcare Professionals

Cultivating the Next Generation of Smile Makers

Taking care of our overall health starts with good dental habits. Our mouth is not only essential for eating, speaking, and smiling, but it also serves as the gateway to our digestive system and internal organs. That’s why visiting your dentist regularly is so important – not just for keeping our smiles bright, but for catching early signs of health issues before they become bigger problems. Routine check-ups can also help prevent costly treatments down the road.

Access to Dental Care in Rural Areas

However, many in Hawaii do not have access to a dentist. In rural neighborhoods across Hawaii, dental offices are fewer and far between. This lack of access to dental care can lead to a range of oral health issues, from cavities to gum disease.

HDS Approach

We are working to address this gap in dental care by cultivating the next generation of smile makers. Our approach is multifaceted, and includes providing scholarships for students pursuing dental hygiene and dental degrees, as well as offering loan repayment programs to encourage dentists to practice in underserved communities.

HDS Tooth Fairy Fun Day

One of our signature events is the HDS Tooth Fairy Fun Day, which brings together dental professionals and keiki (children) for a fun-filled day of dental screenings and education. This event not only provides children with hands-on experience with dental care, but also helps to demystify the dental experience and make it more relatable and approachable.

Scholarships and Loan Repayment Programs

We have expanded our scholarships to include dental hygiene students in Hawaii and dental students on the mainland. These scholarships not only provide financial support, but also recognize the importance of retaining dental professionals in Hawaii. By providing incentives for students to stay in the islands, we can ensure that future generations have access to quality dental care. The HDS Foundation has also contributed to the state’s loan repayment programs, which help dentists who provide care in underserved communities to pay off their student loans.

Making a Positive Impact

We have seen the impact of these programs firsthand, with students returning to their hometowns after receiving tuition scholarships and loan repayment assistance. These individuals are not only providing essential dental care to their communities, but also inspiring the next generation of smile makers. By providing scholarships, loan repayment programs, and events like the HDS Tooth Fairy Fun Day, we can inspire a love of oral health and encourage students to pursue careers in the dental field. As dentists, we have the power to make a positive impact on our communities, and it’s our responsibility to use that power to create a brighter, healthier future for all.