Amazing Immersion and Dental Experience at Yenepoya

I traveled to Mangaluru, India to visit Yenepoya Dental College this past summer, and it was one of the most meaningful experiences of my dental education. The students and faculty welcomed us immediately and made us feel at home. We spent time in both the dental school and local community settings, and seeing how care is delivered with such resourcefulness and compassion was eye-opening.

My favorite part of the trip was driving out to the rural communities and seeing how well connected the school is to the surrounding areas. Talking with families, schoolchildren, and health workers gave me a new understanding of how culture and access shape oral health. I learned so much more than I expected.

Outside of the clinics, we explored the area, tried incredible food, and experienced India in a very real way. I left with new friends, new perspectives, and a deeper appreciation for global health. I’m genuinely grateful for this opportunity, and I’d recommend it to any health-science student looking for a meaningful, immersive experience.