Gabrielle Martin Reflection – Expanding access to dental care: A mission to underserved communities in Costa Rica

Gabrielle Martin, a College of Dental Medicine student, was awarded a Center for Global Health Student & Trainee Travel Grant to pursue a global health project in San Jose, Costa Rica. View more photos of her time in country in this Flickr photo gallery.

My global health experience with the Dental Community Fellowship was both personally transformative and professionally enriching. This mission allowed me to apply my dental training in real-world settings where care was truly needed. While providing care in underserved communities of Costa Rica, I witnessed oral health disparities firsthand, gained meaningful experience serving patients who might otherwise go without care, and developed a deeper appreciation for the role of language access in delivering compassionate, equitable treatment. I’m returning with a renewed sense of purpose, a broader perspective on global public health, and unforgettable memories that reaffirm my calling to serve.

As one of only two Spanish-speaking students on the trip, I had the unique opportunity to connect with patients more deeply—both during procedures and in casual conversations. In many cases, being able to speak their language helped ease anxieties and foster trust. One moment that will always stay with me was when a woman sat in my chair and said, “Gracias a Dios que me entiende”—“Thank God you understand me.” Her words were humbling and powerful. This experience reminded me that language is more than a communication tool; it’s a bridge to empathy, dignity, and healing—especially in underserved communities.

Beyond clinical care, I built lasting connections with Costa Rican patients and community members, as well as with fellow U.S. healthcare professionals—many of whom I now call friends. This experience deepened my understanding of how social determinants shape access to dental care and affirmed my commitment to serving underserved communities with empathy and cultural humility, both locally and globally.

I’m incredibly grateful to the MUSC Center for Global Health for investing in my education and supporting my vision for service-based dentistry. ¡Pura Vida!