Miss Clemson’s ‘More Than A Smile’ initiative

Miss Clemson Jenna Huggins, a healthcare advocate and founder of the nonprofit 'More Than a Smile,' is expanding oral health education and preventive care for children in South Carolina, particularly in underserved communities where 44 of 46 counties lack dental providers. Through school visits, interactive lessons, and partnerships with organizations like America’s Tooth Fairy and the ADA, Huggins has reached around 2,000 children and raised $10,000 to fund dental services, aiming to reduce barriers to care and promote early prevention." "article": "Jenna Huggins, a 21-year-old rising senior at Clemson University, is preparing to compete in the Miss South Carolina pageant while continuing her work as a healthcare advocate. She founded 'More Than a Smile,' a nonprofit focused on improving children’s oral health outcomes across South Carolina, especially in underserved areas where 44 of the state’s 46 counties are classified as dental deserts. Huggins, a business marketing major with a minor in biology, plans to attend dental school and specialize in orthodontics. She hopes to incorporate pro bono work into her future practice, targeting children from underserved communities. Her initiative provides oral health education, preventive resources, and direct dental care through partnerships with local dentists, hygienists, and organizations like America’s Tooth Fairy. Before summer break, Huggins traveled across South Carolina, visiting schools to teach children about oral health through interactive activities. She uses a character named Mr. Giggles to engage students in brushing exercises and distributes smile kits containing toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and brushing timers. Her efforts have reached approximately 2,000 children and raised $10,000 to support school-based dental services. The nonprofit’s work emphasizes early prevention, linking oral health to overall well-being and reducing risks for conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Huggins partners with the ADA, American Heart Association, and the South Carolina Oral Health Action Network to provide educational resources and expand access to free dental clinics. She also collaborates with the Medical University of South Carolina and local dental offices to reinforce her mission. Huggins’ approach combines education and hands-on care, aiming to alleviate fears about dental visits by making learning engaging. She credits her personal experience with dental anxiety as motivation to create a positive and accessible environment for children. Her goal is to ensure all children in South Carolina have the tools and resources to maintain healthy smiles and overall health.