28/01/2011

Gap Year Dental Work in the Developing World

Gap year volunteer opportunities in dental clinics are available in the spring between April and June and the fall between September and November. Global Dental Relief operate 10 mobile dental clinic projects a year that provide care to disadvantaged children in Vietnam, Nepal, Northern India and Guatemala.

Gap Year Projects last 2-3 weeks, which provides for one week of volunteering in the clinic, followed by one week of sightseeing, plus travel time. On a given project 4-5 dentists, up to 3 hygienists and 7 non-medical volunteers are accepted. With this size staff Global Dental Relief can provide complete care to 500-600 kids in one week. Work weeks are long but immensely rewarding. Children receive a full exam, restorations, extractions, fluoride treatment and a cleaning. We provide all of the equipment and supplies to run the clinic. You only have to bring yourself and a lot of energy to work!

There is an application packet for potential gap year volunteers to complete. There are a variety of questions about your past experiences, skills and expectations around volunteering. Not hard to complete! We do not require any specialized credentials for non-medical volunteers. The most important quality a volunteer can have is flexibility and a willingness to serve the community.

You can volunteer on a gap year in two ways: 1.) come for the full term of the project which includes one week working in a mobile clinic, followed by one week of sightseeing, or 2.) Just come for the week of working in the clinic and omit the sightseeing.

Browse Gap Year 365 Travel Opportunities:
- Gap Year Volunteering
- Gap Year Medical Electives

Global Dental Relief