Mission Trip?

[acesofseven]

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Hey all,

I've been hearing a lot of mixed reviews about volunteering abroad. On one hand, I have heard that some dental schools might frown on this because you would be doing things you are not licensed or credentialed for. On the other hand, I have also heard that it looks great on your application. There seems to be a large following for this as more and more pre-health students have been going on these trips to "beef" up their application. So all I want to know is whether or not it would be worth it. If so, are there any specific and reputable organizations you would recommend?

 

[JLT223]

Go through MEDLIFE. Best experiences I've ever had (went to Peru twice).

 

[doc toothache]

https://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/mission-trips-the-good-the-bad-the-ugly.945694/

 

[vballdigger1]

Hey all,

I've been hearing a lot of mixed reviews about volunteering abroad. On one hand, I have heard that some dental schools might frown on this because you would be doing things you are not licensed or credentialed for. On the other hand, I have also heard that it looks great on your application. There seems to be a large following for this as more and more pre-health students have been going on these trips to "beef" up their application. So all I want to know is whether or not it would be worth it. If so, are there any specific and reputable organizations you would recommend?

Hi! I actually run a non-profit group that does dental work in Mexico and Trinidad. It is a great experience to see the cool things that you can do for people with your education and experience. It is also sad to see how people live when they do not have access to care. However, it is always a great time. We do follow the guidelines as far as what assistants (that's what my pre-dental students are) can do in the state of Arizona on our trips. We try to adhere to those to make sure that both we, as clinicians, are safe and that our patients are taken care of as well. For our dental students, they are allowed to operate up to what they have been working on in school (for some, it is hygiene or cleanings, others, they are in full operation). If you're interested, I can send you some info.

 

[a_hildy]

Personally I chose to find a dental assistant volunteer position in my own state at a clinic instead of going abroad because 1: there is a ton of need here in the US and 2: I didn't have the money to go abroad. The clinic I volunteered for provides free dental care for people who are in need of dental care that cannot otherwise pay for it. I chose this over going abroad because there is a huge need for dentistry within my state. I realize there is a huge need elsewhere in the world but there is so much need within the US as well! This opportunity played a huge role in my application in my PS and supplemental application as I was able to talk about this experience and my goals to serve my home state. I was accepted to my in-state dental school. Let me know if you have any questions!

 

[doc toothache]

Hi! I actually run a non-profit group that does dental work in Mexico and Trinidad. It is a great experience to see the cool things that you can do for people with your education and experience. It is also sad to see how people live when they do not have access to care. However, it is always a great time. We do follow the guidelines as far as what assistants (that's what my pre-dental students are) can do in the state of Arizona on our trips. We try to adhere to those to make sure that both we, as clinicians, are safe and that our patients are taken care of as well. For our dental students, they are allowed to operate up to what they have been working on in school (for some, it is hygiene or cleanings, others, they are in full operation). If you're interested, I can send you some info.

While it sounds magnanimous on your part, unless you are a staff member of a dental school, which uses the Mexico and Trinidad as satellite extension clinics or have a memorandum of understanding (work permit) from CNCD/or work for government sponsored clinics in the respective countries, you have about as much authority to practice or to "allow" dental students or anyone else "to operate up to what they have been working in school" as the local Padre.