JiYu Park
JiYu Park is a dental student who cares deeply about helping people feel more comfortable and confident about their smiles. Through her time in clinic, she noticed how often children first encounter dentistry through fear or discomfort rather than understanding. That experience stayed with her and eventually inspired her to create Smile Squad, a project that introduces oral health in ways that feel welcoming, curious, and engaging for children. JiYu enjoys working with university volunteers, educators, and community partners to bring Smile Squad into schools and communities, creating spaces where children feel comfortable asking questions, learning about their smiles, and maybe even leaving with a slightly bigger one.
Smile Squad
Smile Squad is a community outreach program that introduces children to oral health in a way that feels fun, familiar, and approachable. Through storytelling, hands-on experiments, and oversized tooth models, children can see what is happening in their mouths and understand why everyday choices like brushing and flossing matter. By turning dental science into something children can see, touch, and question, Smile Squad creates positive early experiences with dentistry and helps children build confidence and healthy habits that can last a lifetime.
About this Project
Communities Served
My project will involve and/or impact the following communities:
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
When it comes to community impact projects, the UN has created 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These are the Sustainable Development Goals associated with my project.
How the project works
Smile Squad runs hands-on, interactive workshops in local schools, where children learn about oral health through simple demonstrations and oversized tooth models. The project is also developing tooth-themed story bags, in collaboration with Together Time, that pair children's books with hands-on materials to extend learning beyond the classroom.
Project Impact
Smile Squad helps children develop a positive understanding of oral health at an early age. By introducing dental concepts through curiosity and hands-on exploration, the project encourages children to ask questions, build confidence, and take an active role in caring for their teeth, fostering healthier habits and a stronger relationship with oral health as they grow.
Project Mission
Our mission is to make oral health a natural and approachable part of how children learn about their overall well-being. By introducing dental concepts early though curiosity-driven learning, the project aims to spark interest, encourage questions, and make oral health education accessible early on, helping children feel comfortable talking about and caring for their oral health.
Project Team
A passionate group of university students and community partners who love helping kids learn and smile.
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