During fall break, 28 high school students from across the region participated in the Pathways to Smiles Oral Health Careers Camp—an immersive two-day experience hosted by the South Central Kentucky Area Health Education Center (AHEC). Held October 9–10 at Western Kentucky University’s Academic Complex, the camp offered students a hands-on introduction to the dynamic world of oral health professions.
Students engaged in interactive activities that highlighted the science, artistry, and clinical techniques behind dental careers. From typodont scaling and dental model creation to suturing and teeth sculpting, participants explored the anatomy and skills that define the field.
Beyond technical training, campers collaborated with peers to explore key milestones in dental history, debunk common oral hygiene myths, and deepen their understanding of oral health.
The camp also spotlighted local academic pathways. Dr. Joseph Evans, DDS, led a tour of WKU’s Dental Hygiene program and clinic, offering students a firsthand look at educational opportunities close to home. Campers connected with current WKU students pursuing careers in dental hygiene and dentistry, gaining mentorship and insight into their journeys.
“What I enjoyed most about volunteering was the opportunity to mentor and connect with students through hands-on activities,” said Camilla Arechiga Zamarron, a WKU senior from Bowling Green and Vice President of the WKU Pre-Dental Society. “Programs like this are incredibly valuable because they provide early exposure to the field of dentistry and allow students to explore whether it’s a career path they want to pursue.”
Pathways to Smiles is a national initiative led by the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) to raise oral health awareness and inspire students—especially those from underserved communities—to consider careers in dentistry. Funded by the Delta Dental Institute through the Future Workforce Fund’s second cohort, the program is delivered in collaboration with the National Area Health Education Center Organization (NAO).
South Central KY AHEC received an $8,000 grant to serve as an inaugural partner in implementing the Pathways to Smiles curriculum. In addition to the fall break camp, SCKY AHEC has integrated the oral health careers curriculum into classroom presentations and summer programs. Based within WKU’s College of Health and Human Services, the center works to address healthcare workforce shortages across its 22-county service region by offering health career pathway programs for students, coordinating clinical rotations, and providing continuing education for healthcare professionals.
Contact: Cameron Carr-Calvert, cameron.carr-calvert@wku.edu, (270) 745-3325
