mission trips

[biota123]

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I was wondering if any one had any info on getting involved with / organizing a dental mission trip?? My freshman year our pre-dental club president talked about how she went on a trip to mexico to provide dental care. I'd appreciate any info anyone has!

 

[Mident]

I went on a dental mission through International Service Learning. It is an agency stationed in Kansas City, and they have sites all over Central America and one in Africa. Very organized and reputable. I just found them on the internet...but they have a direct link from the Texas A & M Study Abroad page, so that put my mind to rest. I would highly recommend them. Thier website is very informative. I went to Costa Rica/Panama. I have heard from people in the ISL office that Panama and Nicaragua are locations that need more help.... just something I picked up. The cost includes most food, lodging, and transport while you are in the country. Airfare is on your own.
www.islonline.org
As an undergrad I was able to do cleanings, extractions, and fillings, Plus your world view will never be the same. It was truly life changing. It gave me a very good look at dentistry. I would highly recommend doing something like this...not just as an line on your resume, but something that will make you a better professional and human being.

Hope this helps.

 

[tinman831]

While you're digging up info, why not contact a dental school near you? I'm sure they've established mission trips with various on campus organizations. Might be worthwhile to tag along and get in touch with other students and faculty there as well. Might help in the admissions process. 😉

 

[DrEagleMike]

You can try one through the Charity Anywhere Foundation. Google it. Talk to Gordon Carter (president) and see what he can do for you.

 

[macartrx]

I went on a dental mission through International Service Learning. It is an agency stationed in Kansas City, and they have sites all over Central America and one in Africa. Very organized and reputable. I just found them on the internet...but they have a direct link from the Texas A & M Study Abroad page, so that put my mind to rest. I would highly recommend them. Thier website is very informative. I went to Costa Rica/Panama. I have heard from people in the ISL office that Panama and Nicaragua are locations that need more help.... just something I picked up. The cost includes most food, lodging, and transport while you are in the country. Airfare is on your own.
www.islonline.org
As an undergrad I was able to do cleanings, extractions, and fillings, Plus your world view will never be the same. It was truly life changing. It gave me a very good look at dentistry. I would highly recommend doing something like this...not just as an line on your resume, but something that will make you a better professional and human being.

Hope this helps.

THANK YOU!!! for your service and the link....i wish i knew about this in undergrad....i will def be going!!!

 

[babiegurlbc]

i'm actually going to one this summer.

it is the good samaritan medical dental ministry (gsmedicalministry.org)

u have to apply and u have to go to an interview but all u have to pay for is the airfare. hotel + food are paid for.

this mission has other aspects of the health care field also (pharmacy, optometry, medical). they train u for a couple of sessions and then u get real hands on experience in vietnam. i've heard from others that in the dental clinic team, they will let u extract teeth, give minor injections, etc.

 

[niza0212]

A great website to check out: http://dentalvolunteer.com/

It's pretty much a database of various international dental volunteering opportunities.

 

[wannagetin09]

I went on a dental mission trip this summer and at first it was maily to boost my resume, which is a terrible thing to do. However, after the first day the trip had already been the most rewarding thing ive done in my life. I strongly recommend anyone who wants to get involved in dentistry to go on a trip. Not only do you get great hands on experience, but it really shows you how dentistry can help people. Doing that kind of work and taking away from your time will truly show you if you "want" to be a dentist or if you just want to get the money dentist make. For me it opened up my eyes to how diverse dentistry can be and how involved with the community and the world you can be in this profession. I spent ten days in mexico and plan on going for three weeks this summer, whether i get accepted to ds or not.

 

[keliao]

how many days should be considerd good enough ? there are missions with 5days, 8days and 12 days.

 

[wannagetin09]

My trip was 10 days long with only about 6 of those considered working days. I don't think the length of the trip is all that important. Five days or 20 days the experience is irreplaceable.

 

[DentalTrain]

*Bump*


This might be of interest for those with an easier last semester or time this summer before matriculation.