The skills of dental professionals reach far beyond our practices. Whether abroad or in our communities, volunteering allows us to make a difference in people’s lives while growing as clinicians. I recently had the opportunity to go on a dental mission trip to the Dominican Republic, and it opened my eyes to the impact we can have when we give back.
My mission trip experience
I joined a team of dental pros to the Dominican Republic. We spent one day setting up the dental clinic at a local elementary school and five days working in the clinic. One other hygienist and I saw 40 to 50 patients each day. We provided preventive care while collaborating with translators, dental assistants, and dentists from the US and beyond.
Services like hygiene, restorative treatments, oral surgery, endodontic care, pediatric dentistry, and basic health screenings were provided for people who otherwise may not have access to these services.
This was a life-changing experience for me. I improved my clinical skills and developed better efficiency and time management. More importantly, I learned the value of compassion and adaptability when I worked with these underserved people. These lessons help how I approach my patients and remind me of the importance of empathy, patience, and service.
How you can become involved in missions
Opportunities for dental mission work are more accessible than you may realize. Organizations like Global Dental Relief, Smiles International Foundation, and Envista Smiles Project (the group I traveled with) are just a few of the groups that organize trips abroad.1 Joining one of these missions not only helps underserved communities but also offers personal and professional growth.
Serving your local community is just as impactful. You can volunteer in schools, hospitals, health fairs, and community screenings, or you can join your local dental hygiene component, which often hosts community events. Every effort contributes to improving oral health access and outcomes.
Volunteering through our profession has the power to change lives for both patients and professionals. My mission trip was a fantastic experience, and I encourage others to find opportunities to give back in any capacity they can.
Reference
- International dental volunteer trip calendar. American Dental Association. https://www.ada.org/resources/international-volunteer-programs/international-dental-volunteer-trip-calendar
