Fourteen dental hygiene students from the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� and UH Maui College received a combined $42,000 in scholarships from the �鶹��ý Dental Service (HDS) Foundation, supporting the next generation of oral health professionals across the state.

“The HDS Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that communities across the state have healthy smiles. For HDS, part of this commitment means funding scholarships and other programs to support our local workforce,” said Diane Paloma, HDS president and CEO and UH Board of Regents member. “We hope that after graduation, these students will work in �鶹��ý and serve the state that nurtured them.”

Seven UH Mānoa recipients were honored February 6 at the UH Mānoa Campus Center during a celebration attended by students and their ʻohana, university administrators, faculty and HDS executives. A separate event for the Maui scholarship recipients is also planned.

Each of the 14 students received $3,000 to support their education and clinical training.

The recipients are:

• UH ����ԴDz�—Caitlin Raquel Baclay, Ari Bang, Maria Cabasag, Carly Koki-Tupuola, Kimberly Magsipoc, Natalie Morimoto and Shareena Lei Pascual
• UH Maui College—Samantha Buechler, Emmie-Lynn Campos, Geila Guzman, Joanna Javier, Samantha Oliveira Gasmen Goodman, Sarah Singh and Kaitlyn Yamada

“These scholarships provide more than financial assistance — they provide encouragement,” said Kristine Osada, dental hygiene program administrator at UH Mānoa. “Our students balance rigorous coursework and clinical training, and this support allows them to stay focused on becoming skilled, compassionate oral health professionals for �鶹��ý.”

UH Mānoa’s , offered through its (SONDH), is the only bachelor’s-level dental hygiene degree in the state and prepares students for national and regional licensure examinations. offers an , a cohort-based program emphasizing prevention, education and clinical practice. Both programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Related UH News story: High-quality, low-cost dental cleaning with training hygienists

Hands-on dental care for the community

The public can book appointments for student-led dental services at either campus clinic. There, students gain hands-on clinical experience under licensed faculty supervision. Learn more about the or the .

Three Molokaʻi women are proving that healthcare careers can start at home. Benevee Morris, Cherie Gonzalez and Olivia Pescaia all completed the through the , with tuition support from the federally funded . They now work in public schools across the island as health technicians for the , a partnership between UH ����ԴDz�’s (SONDH) and the �鶹��ý Department of Education and Public Charter School Commission.

“�鶹��ý Keiki has struggled to hire a nurse for the Molokaʻi position since I joined as �鶹��ý Keiki senior practice director over five years ago,” said Deborah Mattheus, SONDH endowed professor of school health. “These three health technicians have filled that void and have been such a wonderful addition to our team. I am so proud of them.”

Family hardship leads to new purpose

Morris’ journey into healthcare began after her husband suffered a heart attack in 2010, followed by years of medical treatment and a heart transplant in California.

“As I supported him through this journey, I gained a deep appreciation for everything the nurses and doctors did for us,” she said. “Meeting traveling nurses sparked my interest in pursuing a career in healthcare.”

After his transplant in 2021, Morris applied for the CNA program while still in California. Despite challenges during the pandemic, she and her classmates pushed through.

“I’m proud to say that in August of 2022, 100% of our class passed, and 90% of us have used our skills to secure employment,” she said.

She started with the Nā Puʻuwai Kupuna Program and Tūtū & Me before becoming the Hawaii Keiki health tech at Maunaloa Elementary School.

“It’s thrilling to support services like the �鶹��ý Keiki dental sealant program,” Morris said. “Our island has faced challenges with dental coverage and a shortage of dentists.”

Morris hopes to bring programs such as CPR education and vision screenings to her school in the coming year.

“I’m committed to being an advocate for our keiki here on Molokaʻi and will support anyone interested in pursuing a career in healthcare.“

From caregiver to health tech

I’m committed to being an advocate for our keiki here on Molokaʻi and will support anyone interested in pursuing a career in healthcare
—Benevee Morris

Inspired by the experience of caring for both her parents through serious illnesses, Olivia Pescaia, a graduate of Molokaʻi High and Intermediate School, enrolled in the CNA program to pursue a career in healthcare.

“I dropped my first class because I was unsure of myself and we were figuring things out as we went along,” Pescala said.

However, she rejoined the second cohort and completed the program in June 2023. Now the health tech for Molokaʻi Middle School, Pescaia finds meaning in her work.

“It feels rewarding to give back and help in ways I never imagined I could,” she said. “Even in small ways, helping the keiki gives me a sense of accomplishment, purpose and connection to my community.“

A movie sparks a mission

Cherie Gonzalez’s decision to enter healthcare was inspired by a movie.

“The nurses in the nursing home were being horrible to the patients. I know it was a movie, but we all know that can actually happen in real life,” she said. “I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in nursing because of this.”

With a toddler at home, she joined the CNA program through cable TV instruction and in-person labs at Molokaʻi General Hospital. “The experience I gained through this program has never left me and I use it every day,” she said.

After working as a dental assistant at Molokaʻi General Hospital and as a medical assistant at Molokaʻi Community Health Center, she joined �鶹��ý Keiki in 2021 and now serves at Kilohana Elementary School.

“It feels really good to be working in my community and with families I know personally,” she said. “Being able to make a difference with children in the school setting is great.”

Gonzalez encourages others to explore the field. “There’s so much more you can do in nursing. I would highly recommend the program,” she said.

For the first time, the — a partnership between the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� and the State Department of Education—offered free dental services to Molokaʻi students through its Dental Sealant Events.

On April 8, a team of 9 Oʻahu– and Maui-based dentists, dental hygienists, assistants and nurses traveled to Maunaloa Elementary, Kilohana Elementary, Kaunakakai Elementary and Kualapuʻu Charter School to host Dental Sealant Events. Three Molokaʻi-based �鶹��ý Keiki health technicians provided additional on-the-ground support.

About 110 students were seen, receiving dental screenings, oral health education, hygiene kits and, where needed, dental sealants, a protective treatment that helps prevent cavities.

Addressing �鶹��ý’s oral health issues

�鶹��ý faces significant oral health challenges. The 2015 �鶹��ý Smiles report found that �鶹��ý’s children had the highest rate of dental decay in the country, and more than 60% lacked sealants on their permanent molars—increasing their risk for cavities, missed school, and other health and self-esteem issues.

To combat these disparities, the �鶹��ý Keiki–Dental Service (HDS) Dental Sealant Program was launched in 2019 through a partnership between �鶹��ý Keiki and the HDS Foundation. Since launching on Oʻahu in 2020, the program has expanded to Maui, Kauaʻi and �鶹��ý Island—and now to Molokaʻi. Maui and Molokaʻi school-based dental services are provided in partnership with Hui No Ke Ola Pono, a Maui Native Hawaiian Health Care System.

Commitment to rural underserved communities

So far, more than 5,500 keiki across �鶹��ý have received screenings through the program. More than 60% received sealants, protecting more than 12,000 teeth. In addition, more than 220 keiki with urgent dental needs were referred for further care.

Deborah Mattheus, �鶹��ý Keiki Senior Practice Director and Dental Sealant Program director, said “Hosting the screenings and sealants at school has proven to be an efficient way to provide healthcare to many students at once, reduce the time and money spent by individual families, and minimize the loss of class time. Today’s event is a great example of many partners coming together to provide important dental services to these Molokaʻi kids.”

Compassionate team of UH alumni, student providers

The Molokaʻi team was composed of licensed providers and �鶹��ý Keiki staff, many of whom are UH alumni or current students from UH ����ԴDz�, UH Maui College and the Maui-Molokaʻi CNA programs.

This latest effort was made possible by continued support from the HDS Foundation, along with in-kind donations from Kamaka Air Cargo, which transported dental equipment, and Maverick Helicopters, which offered discounted staff flights. The �鶹��ý Department of Health’s Family Health Division also helped fund dental supplies.

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Members of Maui’s Micronesian community took part in University of �鶹��ý Maui College’s second annual Micronesian Dental Hygiene event held on October 12 on the college’s Kahului campus.

“The outreach brings many of the underserved and those without access to care into our clinic to make appointments for free dental hygiene care,” said Coordinator Leanne Higa. “Dental hygiene students did patient medical and dental histories, oral cancer screenings and made future appointments for 100 patients!”

The students learned the proper steps in oral cancer screening and it was valuable for them to put their training into practice with patients during this hands-on learning activity. Staff from the UH Maui College Campus Health Center were also on hand to provide free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Youlida Yourow from Voices of Micronesia of Maui (VoMOM) said she could not stop thinking about the event because it was so nice to see the connection with the Marshallese community and to build good relationships with all the participating organizations.

“The Micronesian people now see the UH Maui College Dental Hygiene program as people who welcome them and treat them as family.”
— Youlida Yourow

“The Micronesian people now see the UH Maui College Dental Hygiene program as people who welcome them and treat them as family,” Yourow said. “It all starts with the children in the Micronesian community. They need to know the value of oral health and how it is connected to whole body health.”

We Are Oceania (WAO) wants to continue the connection to UH Maui College, to pool resources and keep coming to Maui from Oʻahu to participate in future events because they see the leadership of strong people who dedicate themselves to helping everyone including the Micronesian community.

Yourow is grateful for the service to her community.

“We are so thankful for everything you do for our Micronesian community. We really need the help and it is good to see the students involved,” Yourow said.

A Freeman Grant—dedicated to strengthening the bonds of friendship between the U.S. and the Oceanian realm—funded the distribution of fresh produce, jars of jams and jellies, and free cell phones for participants.

The event was supported by the UH Maui College Campus Health Center, Dental Hygiene Program students, as well as volunteers from the Dental Hygiene Program faculty, VoMOM, Maui Economic Opportunity, Roots Reborn, WAO, oral cancer trainer Susan Cotten from Colorado and many local churches.

�鶹��ý Gov. Josh Green recognized National School Nurse Day on May 8, 2024. In a ceremony on May 10, Green presented the proclamation to the , University of �鶹��ý ����ԴDz� (NAWSON), the �鶹��ý Department of Education (HIDOE) and the �鶹��ý Department of Health’s Public Health Nursing Branch. �鶹��ý Keiki, the state’s largest school nursing program with more than 50 school nurses in public schools, is a collaboration between NAWSON and HIDOE.

School nurses in �鶹��ý play a vital role in providing essential healthcare services to students, especially in underserved areas. Acting as the primary healthcare providers on campus, they offer crucial medical support to those without insurance or limited access to healthcare facilities. This ensures that students receive timely care and support for their physical, emotional and psychological well-being.

“�鶹��ý Keiki nurses are truly making a difference in the lives of our students,” said Deborah Mattheus, senior practice director for �鶹��ý Keiki and NAWSON professor. “Our nurses are literally saving lives. They respond to urgent healthcare emergencies, connect students to medical homes and critical support services, and provide health education to the entire school community. I am so proud of all of our nurses and the entire �鶹��ý Keiki team for the amazing care and aloha they devote to their work. This National School Nurses Day is also very special for our program because we will be celebrating 10 years of our program this upcoming fall.”

Program beginnings, expansion

In 2014, �鶹��ý Keiki began with four nurses at Title I schools across Oʻahu, �鶹��ý Island and Kauaʻi. Because of its positive impact, the program quickly grew to include 15 nurse practitioners, each serving a HIDOE complex area. Amid the pandemic in 2020, �鶹��ý Keiki played a crucial role in providing health resources and COVID-19 testing in collaboration with various partners. They introduced innovative services like a health hotline and telehealth visits, which proved successful and were integrated into the program’s core services, notably benefiting students in rural areas.

The pandemic underscored the vital role of school nurses, leading to a significant expansion of the �鶹��ý Keiki program from 2020 to 2022. With more than 55 nurse practitioners and registered nurses now employed, student visits to �鶹��ý Keiki clinics soared from 8,188 to 126,994, marking a 1,451% increase from the 2019–20 to 2022–23 school years. Of these visits, 75% of these students returned to class after their visits. Additionally, in 2022, �鶹��ý Keiki extended its services to select public charter schools through on-site and telehealth nursing services.

Hazel-lyn Jarquio is dedicated to making a tangible impact in her community, one dental care lesson at a time. On the cusp of earning her (DNP) degree at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� this spring, Jarquio’s passion for pediatric health and her commitment to serving her community converge in her DNP project, an aimed at addressing the prevalence of cavities among young children in �鶹��ý.

“Cavities are the most common early childhood disease in the United States, and �鶹��ý is no exception,” Jarquio explained. “About 60% of �鶹��ý Head Start children between 3 and 5 years old have already experienced cavities.”

is a federally funded program that delivers services to children and families in core areas of early learning, health and family well-being while engaging parents as partners every step of the way. Jarquio collaborated with the program and UH ����ԴDz� nursing and dental hygiene faculty. Together they developed an easy-to-follow handout and video that is being shown and used by students, parents and teachers throughout the state. The short video features friendly animated characters “Dr. Kai” and “Samual,” who break down the importance of oral health and provide useful tips and food choices to prevent cavities.

Check out more stories of our UH spring graduates

“I believe that in order to improve the oral health of our keiki, I need to start by educating the children and educating families about how cavities are made, how we can practice cavity prevention, and just going over appropriate snack choices to avoid cavities,” Jarquio said. “The materials were designed to resonate with families and educators of �鶹��ý Head Start.”

“Hazel’s project is a perfect example of how evidence-based education can be translated into a cute informative video that local families and kids will appreciate,” said Deborah Mattheus, Jarquio’s academic advisor and nursing professor at the (NAWSON). Mattheus is also the senior practice director for the that provides school nursing services to all �鶹��ý State Department of Education (HIDOE) public schools and a few select public charter schools. “Hazel’s oral health video and flyer were so well received by Head Start �鶹��ý, that we requested and received approval to distribute her materials to all HIDOE elementary schools next fall. Hazel’s DNP project will reach and educate thousands of keiki across the islands.”

Bridging dreams with reality

Jarquio has always had aspirations of becoming a nurse, which she steadfastly pursued. Her DNP will be her third degree from UH ����ԴDz�. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in in 2019. She later enrolled into the at NAWSON, earning her bachelor of science in nursing in 2021, before embarking on her DNP program.

“Becoming a nurse practitioner has always been the end goal for my career,” she said. “I wanted to challenge myself and take things to the next level by applying research and investigation skills in practice.”

Now, as she inches closer to completing her DNP, Jarquio reflects on her journey with pride. She hopes to stay and practice in �鶹��ý, caring for the pediatric and/or the young adult population.

—by Arlene Abiang

Dawn Hillary Oka, a 2018 graduate of the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�, was crowned the 2023 Mrs. Hawaii United States in August and competed in the Mrs. United States National Pageant in Memphis, Tennessee, in October, placing as first runner up. Oka, a registered dental hygienist working with the , earned her BS in and a minor in sociology in 2018.

During the national competition, which she described as “surreal,” Oka took home awards for Best Swimsuit and Best Evening Gown. Her personal platform, “Smiles for All,” focuses on tackling the problems of oral health through education and awareness to prevent systemic diseases, such as hypertension and heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, kidney disease, arthritis and more.

“It was an honor to be able to not just represent our state, but our dental community also!” said Oka. “Being in the dental field for nearly a decade now, I’ve seen first-hand that there is a local and nation-wide lack of accessible resources and knowledge outside of the dental office setting. By bringing something as simple as awareness and education to the table for both local and national competitions, I hope to make a difference one healthy smile at a time!”

Impactful childhood visits to the dentist

Oka, a Pearl City High School graduate, admits to always enjoying her visits to the dentist since childhood and hopes she can have that same impact on the children she serves through the �鶹��ý Keiki Program. A partnership between the (NAWSON) and the �鶹��ý Department of Education, the program provides public school students throughout the state with access to no-cost nursing and dental hygiene services.

“I enjoy working for �鶹��ý Keiki because I always enjoyed working with children. I feel like kids have that gift of teaching you something new everyday, whether it be about their trending current events or something within yourself,” said Oka, who travels to different schools on Oʻahu to see her patients.

In addition to helping public school keiki with their oral health, Oka works alongside her husband, a dentist who has his own practice in Kahala.

Oka said she feels fortunate to do what she does and credits her dental hygiene faculty at the UH ����ԴDz� department of dental hygiene who challenged her to be the best professional she can be in her chosen career.

“I don’t think I’d still be so passionate about this field as I am now,” she said. “The one thing I’ll always hold on to and share with others is that life and your career is what you make of it; don’t be afraid to take the risk in being different and stepping out of comfort, especially if there’s a potential for growth.”

Spreading knowledge and aloha

As Mrs. Hawaii United States, Oka participates in various volunteer service activities around the island. She will continue to advocate for her platform in the community by facilitating collaborations between local dental hygienists and other healthcare providers to highlight the importance of oral health in treating the individual body as a whole, rather than different parts.

“I want to actively serve the younger generation, with hopes to implement a program where oral health education can be brought into school curriculums,” said Oka. “This is what Iʻm passionate about and Iʻm grateful the United States National Pageant is providing me with the platform to serve my community.”

—by Arlene Abiang

In recognition of Dental Hygiene Month, the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� is reminding the community of its various dental cleaning and preventive services, provided by undergraduate students in the Department of Dental Hygiene under the instruction of licensed dentist and dental hygienist faculty with the .

Call (808) 956-8229 for more information or to make an appointment

As part of the teaching-learning process, the program provides services to patients throughout the academic year, from mid-September to mid-December in the fall, and January through April in the spring, on an appointment basis. About 1,800–2,400 patients are seen every year at the Dental Hygiene Clinic.

“The clinic is UH ����ԴDz�’s only dental hygiene teaching facility that offers the high-quality, low-cost dental cleanings and preventive services to the university population and surrounding community,” said Alice Tse, professor and chair of the dental hygiene program. “By providing real-life dental hygiene care, dental hygiene students engage in high-impact practice for their success upon graduation. This engagement in actual service reinforces the concepts covered in the program’s curriculum and establishes UH ����ԴDz� as a community partner.”

Michelle Leung, a third-year dental hygiene student, added, “There are a lot of learning experiences having a dental clinic housed in our program, and we get to provide an important health service to a variety of patients from the community who don’t have insurance.”

For a $25 nonrefundable cash fee, patients can receive basic dental hygiene and other optional dental procedures based on clinical and professional judgment of students and faculty.

Basic procedures include oral examination and charting, scaling and polishing of teeth, and patient education. Optional procedures include dental radiographs, application of topical fluoride and pit and fissure sealants, plaque control instruction, soft tissue curettage and root planing, selected periodontal procedures, administration of intraoral local anesthesia, study model impression taking, amalgam polishing, placement and removal of temporary restoration and periodontal dressing.

Information and appointments

Call (808) 956-8229 for more information or to make an appointment. The Dental Hygiene Clinic is located on the UH ����ԴDz� campus near Campus Center at 2445 Campus Road, Hemenway Hall, Room 200. Patients must complete a medical/dental history form and be clinically screened prior to being issued an appointment.

A program to keep �鶹��ý’s children healthy and ready to learn by providing access to high quality health and school nursing services in �鶹��ý’s public schools has earned national recognition.

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�’s , a partnership with the and the (HIDOE) has been designated as an Edge Runner by the . Edge Runners are evidence-based, nurse-designed models that demonstrate significant clinical, financial, community and policy outcomes with proven sustainability and replicability. These programs highlight nurses’ ingenuity and collaboration in developing new methods to provide care and promote health equity.

�鶹��ý Keiki enhances and builds school-based health services that screen for treatable health conditions; provide referral to primary health care and patient centered medical home services; prevent and control communicable disease; and provide emergency care for illness or injury.

“This national recognition is a testament to the dedication of our nurses and so many people behind the scenes who are committed to ensuring that public school students in �鶹��ý have equitable access to health care,” said Deborah Mattheus, senior practice director and dental sealant program director for �鶹��ý Keiki. “Studies show that students succeed academically when they come to school healthy and ready to learn. Our program puts health care right into the schools. �鶹��ý Keiki makes sure every child who needs health care, receives it at no cost and regardless of insurance status. In addition, our nurses provide health education and collaborate with community partners to expand health services, such as vision, hearing and dental screenings.”

School-based health services

Since 2014, the program has responded to emerging and ongoing student, school and community needs, as well as funding availability. The �鶹��ý Keiki RNs (registered nurses) and APRNs (advanced practice registered nurses) are a resource to the entire school community. They lead the coordination of school health services and assist in school wellness promotion and health careers readiness. �鶹��ý Keiki nurses collaborate with and make referrals to health systems and individual care providers.

By utilizing technology such as telehealth, �鶹��ý Keiki has expanded equitable access to care for physical and mental health needs. A �鶹��ý Keiki RN can virtually connect a student to a �鶹��ý Keiki APRN. With the presence of dedicated nurses in schools, it allows principals and teachers to focus on education rather than students’ health care.

“When we created �鶹��ý Keiki, our goal was to find nurses who would build an academic nurse-led school-based health program from the ground up,” said Mary G. Boland, dean emerita, UH ����ԴDz� Nursing. “We focused on creating a program custom designed for the unique qualities of �鶹��ý and our public school education system because HIDOE is one system across all islands, separated by geographic distance and size. �鶹��ý Keiki is currently the largest school-based health program in the state and I am so proud of how the program has grown over the past 9 years. I find deep satisfaction knowing that nurses have truly made a difference in the lives of thousands of �鶹��ý students.”

Health care delivered the local way

�鶹��ý Keiki nurses are compassionate and engaged health care providers. Many serve in the communities they were born and raised in, and others travel across the state to communities they have adopted as family. Every school, community and island experiences different challenges and health disparities. �鶹��ý Keiki nurses adapt and respond to the unique medical, socio-economic and geographic issues for their complex area.

“The Academy is proud to designate unique and solution-oriented initiatives as Edge Runners. The diverse focus of Edge Runner models highlight the wide range of services, vital support, and team-based approaches that the nursing profession provides,” said American Academy of Nursing President Kenneth White. “The �鶹��ý Keiki: Healthy & Ready to Learn Program applies nurses as innovative change agents who are addressing a specific health care challenge.”

Mattheus will represent the program and be honored at the , taking place October 5–7, 2023 in Washington, DC.

University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� Professor Deborah J. Mattheus of the (NAWSON) has been inducted as a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN). She was recognized for her transformative work in oral health and school health, including the , which addresses health disparities among children living in the state.

“I am honored to be selected for FAAN and to be recognized among the nation’s nurse leaders in education, management, practice and research,” said Mattheus. “I am blessed to have had the opportunity to be mentored by several innovative, passionate nursing leaders, and each person has given me critical guidance that has shaped my career, inspired me to embrace innovation, and to remind me of the importance of life balance. I believe in living life to the fullest, while always focusing on making a difference along the way which is one of the reasons for choosing nursing as my career.”

The American Academy of Nursing is composed of approximately 2,900 nursing leaders in education, management, practice and research. Induction into the academy is a significant milestone in which past and current accomplishments are honored by colleagues within and outside the profession.

“Deborah’s tireless passion and commitment to improving health outcomes for �鶹��ý youth is an example of how one person’s dedication can truly make an impact for many,” said Professor Holly B. Fontenot, research director for the department of nursing. “For the past decade, she implemented innovative programs that provide critical health services and education for rural and underserved populations. Deborah is a visionary and exemplary nurse leader. She represents the ideals of AAN Fellows.”

Mattheus has more than 30 years of experience as a certified pediatric nurse practitioner and more than a decade of experience as a nursing educator. She has been with NAWSON since 2014 and was promoted to professor this year. She earned her PhD from UH ����ԴDz�, her master of science in nursing from Simmons College in Massachusetts and her bachelor of science in nursing from American International College in Massachusetts. She is an advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority and a certified pediatric nurse practitioner.

She joins a prestigious group of UH ����ԴDz� nursing faculty members as Academy Fellows:

• Mary G. Boland (retired)
• Katherine Finn Davis
• Holly B. Fontenot
• Debra Mark (retired)
• Stephanie Marshall (retired)
• Kristine Qureshi (retired)
• Alice M. Tse