Creating Meaningful Experiences Through Profession-Based Learning at Cambridge Family Dentistry

Profession-based learning is a powerful model that blends hands-on industry experience with education, preparing the youth of today to become a skilled and capable workforce of tomorrow. This approach not only benefits students by equipping them with practical skills but also allows industry partners to tap into fresh talent. Jamie Jackson, a consultant at Cambridge Family Dentistry in Wichita, Kansas, shares more about the practice’s partnership with the Andover CAPS.

Fostering Education and Industry Partnership

Jamie Jackson shares how their collaboration with local students came about. “A few of the members of our administration team have close ties to people in education, so we are enthusiastic about supporting students and educators whenever possible,” she explained. The opportunity arose when an instructor reached out to inquire about placing students in their office, also mentioning a media group that could assist with marketing efforts. 

Jackson recalls, “We needed to have a short video produced and some professional photos taken to submit for an awards ceremony. It was a fortuitous connection that has worked out especially well for us. The first project they completed for us was so impressive, we asked them to return for a subsequent project and plan to use them in the future.”

The students’ work delivered high-quality content for the dental practice, which regularly hires professional video production companies. “Most of our employees are shocked to discover that the film crew and photographer were high school students,” Jackson noted. “We work with several media companies producing brief commercials and long-form commercial specials, and the students’ professionalism and the quality of work has far exceeded our expectations.”

Enhancing Career-Readiness Through Real-World Experience

The students involved in these projects quickly proved themselves as capable, professional additions to the Cambridge Family Dentistry team. Jackson and her colleagues were impressed by the quality of the students’ work, along with their attitudes and work ethic. “Not only do they create a product that is impressive, but their manners and respectful behavior are truly appreciated.”

Durable skills, such as professionalism and creativity, highlight the career-readiness of students enrolled in profession-based learning programs. 

For industry partners, this translates into access to a young, talented pool eager to innovate and apply their skills in practical settings.

Dispelling Myths About the Future Workforce

For Jackson, this partnership has also helped to challenge misconceptions about the younger generation. “Not only is this a cost-effective way to have really creative work produced, but it is also an opportunity to interact with the next generation of potential employees,” she shared. “Given the messages that we often receive about younger people not being focused or ready and willing to work, connecting with these students helps to dispel those myths. They proved themselves to be hard working, driven individuals and I have no doubt their experience in this program will be a tremendous advantage in their professional lives and to their future employers.”

This experience underscores the mutual benefits of profession-based learning: students gain valuable hands-on experience, and businesses benefit from fresh perspectives and skilled work. As Jackson aptly concludes, “In giving them opportunities such as these, we all win.”

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