Advanced Dental Volunteer
With our one of a kind dental volunteer program, you get a hand on dental experience treating patients while learning advanced dental techniques. Based on your level of education and experience, we’ll put you to work performing diverse treatments ranging from fillings and extractions to root canals, prosthetics, crowns, and surgeries. You’ll also have a great responsibility to help educate and motivate patients to improve their oral health care.
Our local licensed dentists will maintain the clinics protocols to ensure high ethical and safety standards are met for our patients. Volunteers are permitted to actively participate in all areas of the clinic at the discretion of the staff of Sonrisas Sanas. All procedures and treatments that are performed in the clinic are the staff’s responsibility. Volunteers are encouraged to participate as much as possible without risking the welfare of our patients.
One of the best parts of your trip is knowing that you’re helping someone who can’t afford quality dental care obtain a healthy smile. All of your patients will be part of our Mission Sonrisas Sanas program that aims to help the community of Nicaragua (read more in our Mission Sonrisas Sanas page).
I'm a pre-dental school student in a U.S. univeristy, what will I do?
Depending on your level of experience (pre-dental, dental student or professional), we will determine your capacity to work independently during procedures. The capacity to absorb and retain information is also important for students with little experience as they can learn a great deal from our knowledgeable dentists. These learning sessions are led by our dentists and will be a part of your volunteer experience.
I'm already in dental school what can I contribute?
Depending on where you are in your university career (D1-D4) we will determine your ability to to perform different types of procedures, ranging from basic filings and extractions to more advanced treatments like root canals and implants. This is a great opportunity to enhance your dental skills and practice and gain the confidence you’ll need to become a great dentist.
Where will I work?
Mission Sonrisas Sanas works exclusively with Dental Clinic Sonrisas Sanas in Nicaragua. The dental clinic is a fully staffed and equiped modern dental clinic providing patients general as well as advanced dental treatments using the latest techniques and technology. Our volunteers will have the benefit of having their patients evaluated and scheduled before they arrive so volunteers will be ready to work from day 1. Please explore the other pages on this website to learn more about the office and the staff.
Where will I live during my stay?
We will arrange your boarding based on your housing preferences. This cost will be separate and you can budget about $10 for shared dormitory (hostal), $20 for family stay, or $35 for private hotel room per day (all include breakfast). You’re responsible for your other meals, recreational activities and plane ticket to give you the most flexibility possible.
What's included in my trip fee?
- A completely personalized program suited to fit your practice goals and level of experience. We have options raging from Beginners to Advanced
- All equipment, instruments, materials, and instruction needed to attend your patients
- A bank of patients who have already been evaluated and scheduled for you to attend
- Personal assistance and instruction from our certified and experienced dentist
- Country and clinic orientation upon your arrival
Once you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable learning experience please fill out the following form and we’ll contact you soon with a full application. If you have further questions please contact us here.
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