Preventative dental care is a vital part of staying healthy. Many people cannot afford regular dental checkups, so our work is vital to the well being of the community. With your help, we are able to provide basic checkups and procedures that can prevent problems later on from cavities to the more serious abscessed teeth.
Good health starts in the mouth
With our dental program, you get hands-on experience helping patients as you learn basic dental techniques. Instead of just shadowing local dentists, we are going to really put you to work to assist with various procedures.
Field Clinics
Volunteers will actively assist in the following areas with an emphasis on hands-on experience (via a interpreter as needed):
- Perform dental exams/screenings for children and adults.
- Manual cleanings; based upon the participants level of interest and experience he/she may become independent with these procedures.
- Application of Flouride Treatment.
- Interactive shadowing during extractions and pain management procedures.
- Actively assist in cavity filling and pain management process. Students in a university dental program may become independent with these procedures depending on their level of interest and skill.
- Perform public health screenings and community education discussions to help promote public awareness when appropriate via translators.
Participants will always be supervised by local host country professionals.
Volunteers are allowed to actively participate in all areas of the clinic at the discretion of VIDA staff. Any hands on work will be supervised and performed alongside local licensed dentists. Supervising dentists make the final decision about procedures performed and capability of volunteers. Pre-dental volunteers will not be performing procedures independently.
Clinics are held in community centers, churches and schools in coordination with local community members and organizations.
These settings may have latrines, no running water, no electricity, and exposure to dust, sun, and heat.
Our clinics may be in humble communities, but we have set the highest level of professionalism for all our volunteers and staff. You can expect to work in a professional and respectful environment at all times.
Central America Smiles
Many people in Central America do not receive regular dental care. By partnering with communities in need and globally-minded volunteers, we are able to provide basic dental care through our mission trips to those who would otherwise not receive any dental attention.
Be an example to others.
Although your trip may only last a week or two, your service will have an ongoing effect on the community´s development. Through education and example you have the power to change people´s quality of life. Basic knowledge of oral hygiene that you take for granted can prevent future diseases and significantly reduce a person´s pain and suffering.
For some, this experience brings them closer to their career goals in the dental field. Others gain from being able to help make a change in a person´s life. Whatever your motivation, your will to learn and desire to help others will lead to success throughout your life.
VIDA offers one full day of orientation to prepare volunteers for a truly hands on clinical experience.
Dental Orientation
- Brief overview of common oral diseases, nerves of the mouth, tooth identification, etc
- Basic dental exams and screenings
- Overview of field extractions/techniques
- Overview of field cavity filling process
- Overview of manual cleanings in the field
- Review of dental instruments and equipment; proper care and handling of dental equipment.
- Differences between dental care systems of host country and U.S./Canada/Europe.
- Importance of community education/public health
- Review of standard precautions and hazardous waste materials disposal
- Basic dental Spanish (allows participants more independence)
Who Can Join?
VIDA offers the dental program for pre-dental and dental students and all others who are interested in the field of dentistry. We also invite all interested health professionals to join us.
What your VIDA Adventure includes:
- Airport pick up and drop off
- All transportation between sites
- Accommodations with host families and/or hotels.
- 2 meals per day during clinic days and 1 per day on non-clinic days
- Full day of in-country orientation and Medical/Dental/Veterinary Manual
- 24 hour staff assistance
- Survival Spanish class
- All medicine, equipment, supplies, and professionals needed to complete successful clinics
- Evening group activities
- Some recreational activities
- Border and customs fees
- Statement of volunteer service hours (Letters of recommendation will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.)
- Post adventure follow-up
This price does not include:
- Airfare
- Airport exit tax (varies between countries)
- Personal spending money
- Academic credit
- Some recreational activity opportunities
- Laundry
- Telephone or internet access
- Tips (Optional for bus drivers)
We encourage all volunteers to gather $100 worth of donations to take with them on their trip. Volunteers should engage community members, church members, Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, local physicians, dentists and vets in assisting them with gathering these donations. This is a great way to gain support and understanding from your community as to the needs of those in Central America.
Dental Donations Needed:
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Masks with protective face shields
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Gauze (2x2)
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Toothbrushes – Children/Adults
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Dental floss
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Toothpaste
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Ibuprofen
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Amoxicillin 500 mg
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Dental Instruments for cleanings and extractions (new/used)
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Portable dental unit
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Portable dental compressor
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Portable autoclave
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Sealant materials
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Fluoride treatments (APF 1 Min application or fluoride varnish)
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Gloves
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Headlamps
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Plaque revealer (liquid, tablets of gel)
