I'm considering volunteering for VIDA's dental opportunity where you go to a country like Guatemala or Nicaragua for a week during spring break and help give dental treatment to people down there. There's not many restrictions in those countries, so even undergraduates students can get heavily involved, but the price is around 1800$ and it's only a week long. The opportunity sounds nice, but I'm a poor college student with dental apps to pay for, interview trips, DAT study material, etc.. In a perfect world I could go without blinking an eye. I don't have many EC's aside from shadowing, so if you were in my shoes, would you find a way borrow money for something like this? Any advice would be great!
VIDA Volunteering cost worth it?
- Thread starter Triny
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Well from what I know from speaking to many people about this and many of the responses with regards to mission trips like this is to make a choice wisely.
I have heard, that depending on what organization you sign up with, will determine what type of experience you will have. Some of these trips will entail a person traveling to a country by them-self to then find that no organized structure is in place and you essentially roam willy-nilly alone. Now this is not always the case though.
While trips like this with an established organization, such as alone tied to a university, can be a great learning experience. You should not see it as an opportunity to practice unlicensed medicine on people who do not have the same licensing in place and availability of medicine like we have in an industrialized nation.
Personally, I did not venture down this avenue because of the moral implications that could potentially come from this. Not to mention, if you decide to go on one of these and if you do, in fact, perform even minor procedures; I would not make a point of this to adcoms or of the like. Such things as practicing unlicensed medicine or dentistry are highly frowned upon.
Please if anyone has anything else to add feel free, I hope this helped somewhat. Moral is just make an informed decision about traveling abroad on a trip such as this.
I have heard, that depending on what organization you sign up with, will determine what type of experience you will have. Some of these trips will entail a person traveling to a country by them-self to then find that no organized structure is in place and you essentially roam willy-nilly alone. Now this is not always the case though.
While trips like this with an established organization, such as alone tied to a university, can be a great learning experience. You should not see it as an opportunity to practice unlicensed medicine on people who do not have the same licensing in place and availability of medicine like we have in an industrialized nation.
Personally, I did not venture down this avenue because of the moral implications that could potentially come from this. Not to mention, if you decide to go on one of these and if you do, in fact, perform even minor procedures; I would not make a point of this to adcoms or of the like. Such things as practicing unlicensed medicine or dentistry are highly frowned upon.
Please if anyone has anything else to add feel free, I hope this helped somewhat. Moral is just make an informed decision about traveling abroad on a trip such as this.
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You can get interviews without such experience. So,personally I wouldn't pay to volunteer.It you are concerned about EC, you can volunteer nearby community or location. 1800 = 15 ish 1° app fee OR 4 to 6 interview expenses depending your location.
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No do not do it. We all know the real reason predents/meds do these kind of trips is to make a stronger app. Most people I know use those volunteer trips as a way to party and travel. Volunteer and help your local community first. There are so many problems in our own backyard yet people in college get this warm heart to go save the world one tooth at a time. Well thats just great but take a nice drive in the rough part of your town and see that those people have terrible health. Do you know 1800 bucks could do for the people in those countries or better yet, the veterans that can work because they are missing limbs. Not to give a guilt trip but let's look at the reality. You could go to some country and be a dental assistant and tell the admissions people how great it felt to help people, they have not ever heard that before. Or send 1800 bucks to those countries for food and medical supplies. If you really really are passionate about helping theses people 1800 bucks is way more useful then a predental person sterilizing.
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Hey there. I volunteered with VIDA in Nicaragua about 2 years ago. In short, I would probably say you can do equal resume boosters for a lot less money. However, it was a really fun time and I met a lot of great people. It was sort of a vacation for me as well, and a bit of an eye opener. I used it in a part of my personal statement. Feel free to PM me, I will do my best to answer any questions.
Summary: If you have the money (my parents paid for it) and it interests you, go for it. Otherwise, there are plenty of domestic opportunities that will offer the same caliber of resume boosting.
Summary: If you have the money (my parents paid for it) and it interests you, go for it. Otherwise, there are plenty of domestic opportunities that will offer the same caliber of resume boosting.
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I was always skeptical of medical international volunteer trips. My undergrad offered VIDA volunteer trip and some of the cost was subsidized by the school. I went on two VIDA trips and honestly had some of the best experiences in my life. One of the dentists interview on sdn, Dr.jean Paul Schmidt, is a VIDA volunteer dentist.
I can only speak of VIDA cause idk much about the other similar organizations, but they're extremely careful with compliance. You will be with the local health professionals. They make sure you learn something. It's part of their goals as an organization and it's a 501c registered charity so it's very legitimate. I'd be happy to answer any questions regarding VIDA. PM me.
And just like others have stated, you don't have to spend so much if you're just looking to boost your ec but going on international trip should never exclude you from volunteering locally. Plenty of people get into dental schools without having gone abroad.
I am heavily involved locally but I like having the international experience as well. It really depends on what you are looking for. Personally I've met some of the most ambitious pre dents on the trip who are already committed and serves in their communities. They realize it's a big financial investment and in return, they ask a lot of questions and seek a lot of knowledge even if the trip is short. The VIDA staff fully understands this as well which is why they do case studies etc.
But again, one trip won't make your application and it's what you prioritize that's important. Ive debated and reflected much about international travels like these and im interviewing for schools now. Some schools ask. Some done really care. If you've any questions about VIDA or dental school in general , PM me.
I can only speak of VIDA cause idk much about the other similar organizations, but they're extremely careful with compliance. You will be with the local health professionals. They make sure you learn something. It's part of their goals as an organization and it's a 501c registered charity so it's very legitimate. I'd be happy to answer any questions regarding VIDA. PM me.
And just like others have stated, you don't have to spend so much if you're just looking to boost your ec but going on international trip should never exclude you from volunteering locally. Plenty of people get into dental schools without having gone abroad.
I am heavily involved locally but I like having the international experience as well. It really depends on what you are looking for. Personally I've met some of the most ambitious pre dents on the trip who are already committed and serves in their communities. They realize it's a big financial investment and in return, they ask a lot of questions and seek a lot of knowledge even if the trip is short. The VIDA staff fully understands this as well which is why they do case studies etc.
But again, one trip won't make your application and it's what you prioritize that's important. Ive debated and reflected much about international travels like these and im interviewing for schools now. Some schools ask. Some done really care. If you've any questions about VIDA or dental school in general , PM me.
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would you let 19 year old predents come into your country and treat your people with third rate dentistry as if the predents were dentists?
ur 3rd world country deserves nothing but the best dentistry from college kids finshing up general chemistry in the US
not all mission trips are alike...make sure they're not doing anything that would be illegal in US...make sure you're not doing anything that would be illegal in US
ur 3rd world country deserves nothing but the best dentistry from college kids finshing up general chemistry in the US
not all mission trips are alike...make sure they're not doing anything that would be illegal in US...make sure you're not doing anything that would be illegal in US
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I went on a Vida trip this past year and I absolutely loved it. I think a lot of people who say we perform procedures just willy nilly are misinformed. There is extensive supervision the entire time and that was even when dental volunteers were just brushing teeth and flossing. We were allowed to assist the lead dentist with extractions but of course could not perform the extraction ourselves. A lot of times there will not be a Mobile unit available meaning extractions and cleanings are the only procedures that can be done. I learned so much on my trip and loved getting to use my Spanish every single day. If you have the money to spend and are interested I think it's a wonderful experience. I have friends who participated in the med and vet teams as well who share this view. But that's just my two cents.
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When pre dents openly boast on SDN and in personal statements about performing extractions, restorations and injecting local anesthesia, and when both the ADA and ADEA went to the trouble of issuing position papers on mission trips, dismissing comments made as "misinformed" becomes questionable. If as you suggest, there is "extensive supervision", presumably by dental professionals even "volunteers were just brushing and flossing", it does make one wonder on the judicious use of time of dentists.
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Hi all!
I know this is a relatively older thread, but I just wanted to comment just for any prospective Vida students! Vida makes it their top priority to keep their students safe. Furthermore, Vida staff visits the homestay families that their volunteers will stay in and test the safety of the town and environment before allowing any students to stay there. Vida also provides the homestays with a fresh jug of purified drinking water and informs the families of any dietary restrictions of their students. Students are provided with 24 hour staff assistance and are always rooming and traveling with other students from the group. Vida allows students in the medical, dental, and vet field make an impact in the rural communities of Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Nicaragua all while proving them with an eye opening educational journey of a lifetime. The ability to interact with those who are in need of medicine, and otherwise without Vida would not have the ability to receive medical care, is one of the many facets that makes Vida’s work and mission so inspiring. Vida teaches professionalism, and provides a unique opportunity for students to engage with a diverse group of individuals that will provide their volunteers with many skills to transcend into their career in the health care field.
I have joined Vida Volunteer for four years and each time I am consistently impressed with how organized and passionate the Vida staff are. Although price is a constant concern for many students. It is important to note that Vida covers a majority of the meals for students abroad, Vida provides transport from the clinics to hotels/ homestays and airport, custom fees, and HOTEL AND HOMESTAYS.
Overall this program is such an amazing and unique experience. Not only do volunteers have the ability to make a substantial impact in communities across Central America, but they gain so much more in return. This experience is more than just shadowing doctors and seeing a few cool procedures. It’s YOU who is working directly with the doctor to make a diagnosis, it is YOU who is providing education to teach community members how to keep a healthy lifestyle, and it is YOU who is working in communities to make a sustainable impact.
I know this is a relatively older thread, but I just wanted to comment just for any prospective Vida students! Vida makes it their top priority to keep their students safe. Furthermore, Vida staff visits the homestay families that their volunteers will stay in and test the safety of the town and environment before allowing any students to stay there. Vida also provides the homestays with a fresh jug of purified drinking water and informs the families of any dietary restrictions of their students. Students are provided with 24 hour staff assistance and are always rooming and traveling with other students from the group. Vida allows students in the medical, dental, and vet field make an impact in the rural communities of Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Nicaragua all while proving them with an eye opening educational journey of a lifetime. The ability to interact with those who are in need of medicine, and otherwise without Vida would not have the ability to receive medical care, is one of the many facets that makes Vida’s work and mission so inspiring. Vida teaches professionalism, and provides a unique opportunity for students to engage with a diverse group of individuals that will provide their volunteers with many skills to transcend into their career in the health care field.
I have joined Vida Volunteer for four years and each time I am consistently impressed with how organized and passionate the Vida staff are. Although price is a constant concern for many students. It is important to note that Vida covers a majority of the meals for students abroad, Vida provides transport from the clinics to hotels/ homestays and airport, custom fees, and HOTEL AND HOMESTAYS.
Overall this program is such an amazing and unique experience. Not only do volunteers have the ability to make a substantial impact in communities across Central America, but they gain so much more in return. This experience is more than just shadowing doctors and seeing a few cool procedures. It’s YOU who is working directly with the doctor to make a diagnosis, it is YOU who is providing education to teach community members how to keep a healthy lifestyle, and it is YOU who is working in communities to make a sustainable impact.
