Dental Volunteer Trips How to Plan and Stories from Abroad
Serving the Underserved As an International Volunteer Dentist By Jake Kathleen Marcus, JD, PGDip
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olunteering in international dentistry is a meaningful way for dental professionals to make a global impact by providing essential oral healthcare to underserved communities. International communities often require a mix of short-term relief efforts and long-term systemic improvements to meet their dental needs effectively. According to the World Health Organization, in 2021, “Untreated dental caries (tooth decay) in permanent teeth [was] the most common health condition.”1 If you wish to volunteer internationally — whether you are a dentist, assistant or hygienist — here is a guide to get you started:
Understand the Need Many regions lack access to basic dental care due to limited resources or lack of trained professionals. Common issues in underserved areas include untreated cavities, gum diseases, oral infections and lack of education on oral hygiene. The World Health Organization reports that approximately “two billion people suffer from caries of permanent teeth, and 514 million children suffer from caries of primary teeth.”1 This deplorable state of oral health is attributed to diet, inadequate exposure to fluoride, poverty and lack of access to even the most basic dental healthcare.1
Benefits of Volunteering There are many benefits to contributing your professional skills to underserved communities, both for the patients and for yourself. For example, international volunteering can result in such valuable benefits as: • Personal growth by enhancing your skills working in diverse settings and addressing unique challenges. • Cultural exchange through learning about local customs and traditions while sharing your expertise. • Community impact of helping to reduce preventable oral health issues and improve quality of life.
Roles for Volunteers Dental volunteers can serve many roles in international underserved communities. These include: • Performing dental treatments (fillings, extractions, cleanings, etc.). • Providing oral health education and preventive care. • Training local healthcare workers in basic dental care techniques.
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AGD IMPACT
FEBRUARY 2025