548 Mission Trips: When Good Intentions Meet Ethical Responsibility

Mission trips have the power to change lives—but only when they're built on ethics, sustainability, and partnership.   In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave welcome Dr. John Cutter for an honest conversation about the responsibilities that come with providing care in underserved communities. Together, they explore how clinicians can move beyond short-term solutions, build meaningful community partnerships, and approach service with cultural humility and a commitment to long-term impact. Whether you're a student, educator, or practicing clinician, this episode challenges the way we think about giving back.   In this episode, we discuss:   Balancing service, sustainability, and ethics in mission work   Preparing clinicians and students to serve responsibly   The unintended consequences of short-term care models   Building partnerships that prioritize community needs   Cultural humility, patient autonomy, and continuity of care   How mission experiences shape providers personally and professionally   Connect with Dr. John Cutter:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-m-cutter-d-d-s-256031b/ Email: [email protected]   Connect with the Hosts:   Jessica Atkinson: [email protected] Dave Torres: [email protected]