Congratulations to fourth-year dental hygiene students Jasneet Bal, Sarina Gill, Kacie Haberlin, and Tayler Treit, who won UBC Dentistry’s inaugural Social Entrepreneurship Leadership (SEL) Health Challenge by creating an innovative business plan to support Indigenous communities!
Winners of the 2024 SEL Health Challenge at the 2024 Purple Night
The Health Challenge is part of UBC Dentistry’s new Dental Hygiene Degree Program (DHDP) curriculum, which focuses on preparing graduates for social entrepreneurship and leadership roles. Since launching the new curriculum in 2023, UBC has become the first institution in the country to offer a dental hygiene program providing formal education in this area. One of the most significant elements of the curriculum is the new fourth-year SEL course. Led by Lecturer Charanpreet Dhami, the course equips students with knowledge and skills in team management, business economics, and financial literacy.
A highlight of the course is the SEL Health Challenge, where students present a business concept that generates social and economic value, with a particular focus on improving access to oral healthcare in underserved communities. Throughout their final year, dental hygiene students develop a comprehensive business plan, with the goal of exploring entrepreneurial pathways beyond traditional dental hygiene career paths.
The three finalists of the inaugural SEL Health Challenge presented their business plans at UBC Dentistry’s annual Purple Night event on April 12, 2024, where alumni, faculty and student peers had the opportunity to learn about the students and their projects. The winning team was presented with a certificate and monetary prize, generously donated by Dr. Susanne Sunell.
2024 SEL HEALTH CHALLENGE WINNER
Roots Dental Outreach
Jasneet Bal, Sarina Gill, Kacie Haberlin, and Tayler Treit (DHDP 2024 candidates)
Roots Dental Outreach aims to address oral health disparities within local Indigenous communities. The goal is to deliver essential oral health services directly to populations who don’t have dental offices within close proximity. Roots Dental Outreach aims to consult with community leaders to understand their needs and cultural context so their services and educational programs can be adjusted accordingly. Services include dental hygiene screenings and educational seminars, with the goal of improving oral health and overall wellbeing. By bringing the clinic directly to the community, Roots Dental Outreach seeks to eliminate challenges associated with transportation, cost, and cultural barriers, providing high-quality, culturally sensitive care for a brighter, healthier future.
2024 SEL HEALTH CHALLENGE FINALIST
OraGuard DeTECHt
Kirandeep Khak, Roy Huo, Veronica Wang, and Weifeng Zhou (DHDP 2024 candidates)
OraGuard DeTECHt is an innovative product concept seeking to improve the frequency, efficiency, and accessibility of oral cancer screenings. Its goal is to enable early detection and intervention for oral cancer, leading to better patient health outcomes. An interdisciplinary team collaborates closely with product industry leaders to design new technology to revolutionize oral cancer screening, making it more accessible to a broader population. Additionally, OraGuard DeTECHt aims to advocate for and educate healthcare professionals about the importance of integrating oral cancer screenings into routine care practices. Through innovation and strategic partnerships, OraGuard DeTECHt is committed to significantly impacting oral healthcare, one screening at a time.
2024 SEL HEALTH CHALLENGE FINALIST
SmileSquad
Irha Dela Cruz, Maranda Mazoka, Julia Nickerson, Gabrielle Nucup, and Carol Yee (DHDP 2024 candidates)
SmileSquad is a new after-school program designed to improve oral health among primary school children in British Columbia, particularly those from uninsured or low-income families. The program offers a range of dental hygiene services and educational sessions during after-school care, aiming to make oral health care more accessible, engaging, and enjoyable for kids. SmileSquad engages children with games and activities, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to take control of their oral health and promoting a sense of responsibility. By collaborating with healthcare professionals and organizations, SmileSquad intends to greatly impact children’s oral health, while saving parents and guardians time and reducing stress associated with planning a dental appointment.