International dental missions. Safe?

[SeattleRDH]

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What are volunteers being allowed to do on these trips? I've heard that some predents are extracting teeth. Are the patients aware that they are being treated by non-dentists?

I suppose it is all relative. I used to work with a dental assistant who was previously a dentist in the Philippines. She couldn't even get licensed as a hygienist without going back and completing a full dental hygiene program.

 

[PreDent321]

You mind as well pull some teeth. It's a good practice and way to release stress. Plus, you won't get sued. And don't worry if you screw up. Those people are eventually all losing their teeth anyway.

 

[DocWheels]

I believe that in the 3rd world environment people don't care much about you having proper credentials. As long as there is Novocain, and at the end of the procedure the tooth that used to hurt doesn't hurt anymore, there aren't any problems.

 

[Prius90503]

I only wish all dentists did some volunteer/pro bono work in the US and elsewhere. We need to give back to the people.

 

[bluepills]

What are volunteers being allowed to do on these trips? I've heard that some predents are extracting teeth. Are the patients aware that they are being treated by non-dentists?

I suppose it is all relative. I used to work with a dental assistant who was previously a dentist in the Philippines. She couldn't even get licensed as a hygienist without going back and completing a full dental hygiene program.

I went on a trip with ISL and we were only allowed to assist. They've really taken the ADEA's concerns and regulations seriously. In order to make up for the lack of hands-on stuff, I found that the dentists did a lot more teaching, which was excellent.

 

[SeattleRDH]

You mind as well pull some teeth. It's a good practice and way to release stress. Plus, you won't get sued. And don't worry if you screw up. Those people are eventually all losing their teeth anyway.

I hope you're kidding.

 

[polola55]

All I can say is that if you mention that you have done this mission and extracted teeth on patient on your AADSAS application, you will most likely get rejected from most schools that value ethics heavily.

 

[passionfordent]

You mind as well pull some teeth. It's a good practice and way to release stress. Plus, you won't get sued. And don't worry if you screw up. Those people are eventually all losing their teeth anyway.

😱 👎 👎 👎 not ok buddy

 

[DentalDiva RDH]

All I can say is that if you mention that you have done this mission and extracted teeth on patient on your AADSAS application, you will most likely get rejected from most schools that value ethics heavily.

👍 This is very true. I have met with a few admissions advisors at dental schools and have brought this question up because I too have been interested in participating in a mission trip. One of the advisors told me she was surprised to see how many pre-dents go on these trips, extract teeth, provide services they are not qualified to perform, and then write their personal statements on every unethical detail and how enlightening it was. Really?! Not okay. As mentioned perviously, it completely questions your ethical standards, an unbelievably huge part of providing any kind of medical care.

Go on the trip if you can, I'm sure it'll be an amazing experience!! As an RDH I know you're more aware of the severity and consequences of actually doing or admitting to doing procedures that you are not qualified to perform, whether they be in another country or not.

 

[PreDent321]

I hope you're kidding.

What better way to work out your arms without going to the gym? Pull baby pull!

 

[polola55]

👍 This is very true. I have met with a few admissions advisors at dental schools and have brought this question up because i too have been interested in participating in a mission trip. One of the advisors told me she was surprised to see how many pre-dents go on these trips, extract teeth, provide services they are not qualified to perform, and then write their personal statements on every unethical detail and how enlightening it was. Really?! Not okay. As mentioned perviously, it completely questions your ethical standards, an unbelievably huge part of providing any kind of medical care.

Go on the trip if you can, i'm sure it'll be an amazing experience!! As an rdh i know you're more aware of the severity and consequences of actually doing or admitting to doing procedures that you are not qualified to perform, whether they be in another country or not.

+1

 

[uclaDDS101]

Advice from a dental student with prior international experience: Feel free to go on a trip if you want to and are able to. Do whatever you believe is permitted by your own informed ethical standards. And feel free to talk about your experiences openly and honestly at your interviews. The rest will take care of itself.

 

[mBjKmr]

not all of these trips and organizations allow that kind of thing to be done anyhow. i've been on trips and students only assited and shadowed the dentists, much like what you'd do if you shadowed a dentist in the US.