Beyond Collin College: Dental Hygiene Program Provides Free Dental Health Services for Human Trafficking Survivors

In its simplicity, a smile has the extraordinary capacity to be more than a universal expression of happiness. Kandice Swarthout, a Collin College Dental Hygiene professor, knows all too well that a healthy smile is the intersection of happiness meeting optimal dental health. This crossroads marked the opportunity to help a vulnerable group of women who have endured unimaginable hardships as human trafficking survivors. Swarthout’s effort to connect to the local community and offer dental care quickly transformed into an unwavering determination to make a difference. With the help of her students and colleagues, Swarthout set out to make a difference in these women’s lives.

“The imperative need of oral health is often overlooked,” Swarthout said. “We wanted to find a way to help this community in a dignified way.”

As both a dental hygienist and licensed professional counselor, Swarthout helps mentor health providers to identify potential human trafficking victims while in a healthcare setting. Her expertise played a major role in planning this effort.

“The reality is that most victims of trafficking do see a healthcare provider at some point while in captivity,” Swarthout said. “Training to spot those indicators can quite literally save a life.” 

Just down the road, Plano-based organization Reclaim 6-1-1 also provide tools to assist survivors but on a greater scale. Identifying as an ally to fight human trafficking, it wasn’t long before Swarthout reached out to collaborate. 

“As I learned more about the needs of survivors through my work, it became clear that dental care was almost always on that list,” Swarthout said. “As dental care providers, we cannot only help identify victims, but we can help victims regain a healthy life by providing oral care.”

Swarthout knew all the resources were in place to create a real impact.

“We have this amazing space at our McKinney Campus that is fully equipped as a dental office,” Swarthout said. “We have trained students and faculty; we really have it all right here!” 

This was especially true after the Dental Hygiene program increased student admission to 24 annual students as of Fall 2022, increasing the number of students who were able to apply and get into the program. This was a direct result of the recent expansion of the Dental Hygiene program learning space, including the addition of more operatories and newly renovated laboratory spaces. For Swarthout, getting everyone on board to volunteer was the easier task. Once the idea was solidified, the support spread far and wide. 
 
“We had this army of people ready to get to work,” Swarthout said. “It was inspiring to say the least and speaks volumes about our 
dedicated folks.”

From the advisory board to local area dentists to eager students, everyone was ready to lend their time and skills. Reclaim 6-1-1 helped Swarthout connect to a group of 15 women, all recently rescued from human trafficking and ready to receive dental care. 
After weeks of planning, the dental clinic opened its doors last year, providing free dental healthcare to each of the women.

 “We had about 60 volunteers show up,” Swarthout said. “It was amazing to see all 12 of our clinic chairs used to provide exams, oral cancer screenings, x-rays, deep cleanings, and fluoride treatments.” 

 Survivors who needed higher levels of care such as teeth fillings or extractions were attended to by local Collin County private dentists who volunteered to ensure all needs were met.  

“Survivors often find themselves accustomed to experiencing disrespect, judgment, or feelings of shame,” Swarthout said. “Our 
goal for all of this was for them to receive care but also feel loved, 
cared for, and treated with respect and dignity. We accomplished this with everyone’s help.” 

Extra supplies and materials were donated to the Dental Hygiene program by Ivoclar, a dental supply company, alleviating any additional costs to the program.  

“Leadership from Kandice, alongside program faculty members 
like Emily Henderson, truly positioned our program’s event for 
success,” said Christine McClellan, the Dental Hygiene program 
director. “This is a testament to what it’s all about — helping our underserved communities.” 

With the continued support of everyone involved, the Dental Hygiene program hopes to make this project their annual “give back” event. Students are already signing up to return next year to volunteer. 

 “I truly feel like we made a positive impact on this group of survivors,” said Adalyn Crabtree, Dental Hygiene student and volunteer. “Being able to help make this effort a reality filled me with so much pride for the work and career I’m pursuing. I can’t wait to return and be a part of this again.”

Swarthout said this event has the capability of growing and reaching more survivors, a goal she’s keeping in mind. With industry-standard equipment at hand and the dedicated students who use state-of-the-art learning spaces, the Dental Hygiene program is set to make a difference.

“We all reflected as we finished the day,” Swarthout said. “We’re really learning the power we have to influence change by brightening both someone’s future and smile.”