University of Washington students had the opportunity to travel to Kenya for the second consecutive year through the Global Oral Health: Theory to Action course. During the trip, two dental students, Priyanka Prajapati and Delbert Oxborrow, implemented their research projects in and around Kisumu, in the west of Kenya. They visited several clinics affiliated with the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital and worked alongside the National Institutes of Health R21 grant “Dynamics of HIV-infection, Oral Innate Immunity and The Development of Oral Diseases in Children” led by Dr. Immaculate Opondo. Their research projects focused on key public health issues, including Oral Health Promotion Among Healthcare Providers and “Resiliency in Public Health: Perceptions from Kisumu”, providing them with invaluable experience in global healthcare systems.
In addition to their research, the students had the chance to immerse themselves in Kenyan culture, enjoying traditional foods and engaging with local customs. The trip was successful in broadening the students’ engagement with global oral health research and enhancing their cultural competence. This experience not only deepened their academic understanding but also prepared them for potential future careers in global oral health.