Volunteering with Global Dental Relief (GDR) is an exciting and transformative experience. Whether you’ve traveled to remote corners of the world to provide essential dental care and oral health education or worked behind the scenes to support our efforts — your time and expertise have made a tangible difference in the lives of countless children. But the impact doesn’t have to end when you return home. One of the most powerful ways you can continue supporting GDR’s mission is by raising awareness and sharing future opportunities with others.

By sharing your experience and educating others about the ongoing need for accessible dental care in underserved communities, you can help expand the reach of this vital work and inspire more people to get involved.

When you volunteer with GDR, you become a firsthand witness to the challenges people face in accessing basic healthcare. The communities we serve still lack the infrastructure and resources to meet even the most basic dental needs.

By sharing stories and photos from your time volunteering, you can highlight these challenges and emphasize how life-changing something as simple as a routine dental cleaning or filling can be. Social media platforms, blogs, or community events are great outlets for spreading the word! You can create content that highlights not only the problems but also the solutions that GDR provides, showcasing the positive impact of volunteerism and the incredible difference a single dental clinic can make in a community’s health.

Raising awareness doesn’t stop at sharing your experience — it also means actively engaging others in the cause. By becoming an advocate for our mission, you are helping to create a ripple effect of generosity, compassion and action, all aimed at providing essential dental care to those who need it most.

Here are a few ways you can advocate:

• Organize a fundraising effort: There are many online platforms that make it easy to get started, like Facebook or GoFundMe. Consider pairing a fundraiser with your next birthday/anniversary/holiday and ask for donations in lieu of gifts.
• Write about your experience: Try connecting with your local newspaper, a local club or community newsletter to publish a short article and a few photos!
• Host a Toothbrush Packing event: GDR delivers thousands of toothbrushes per year to children around the world. They are donated or ordered to our office, and often come in bulky plastic.  We take them out of the original bags and pack them in reusable sacks of 100 to be easily distributed inside our field dental clinics. Help us by taking a few boxes home to re-pack, or make an event out of it with your friends, family, office or clubs!
• Organize a dental supply drive: We always need toothbrushes and floss for our clinics (no toothpaste, please). You can also contact your local dentist(s) and ask them to collect supplies on behalf of GDR. You can find a list of our accepted dental donations here.

Awareness often leads to action. When people understand the critical need for dental care in underserved areas, they are moved to offer their support and allow GDR to continue and expand its reach. The mission of Global Dental Relief is bigger than any single trip or volunteer experience — it’s an ongoing movement to ensure that every person, no matter where they live, has access to the dental care they need.

Ultimately, continuing your support for Global Dental Relief after volunteering is about making a long-term commitment to the cause. Whether through raising awareness, encouraging others to volunteer, or actively supporting fundraising initiatives, your involvement will help transform lives on a global scale.

By sharing your passion for dental care and the mission of GDR, you’re not just raising awareness—you’re creating a network of change-makers who will make a lasting difference in the world.

Contact us today and share how you plan to continue supporting GDR from home!

The post Double Your Impact: Continued Support for Global Dental Relief After Volunteering first appeared on Global Dental Relief.

In July of 2024, Paula Chebat traveled to San Martin village in Guatemala with a crew of Global Dental Relief trip leaders and volunteers – including dentists, hygienists, assistants, students and general volunteers.  Paula discovered GDR through an online search, looking to use her expertise as a dental hygienist to give back to underserved communities.

We hope you enjoy reading about her experience below! To learn more about our opportunities to volunteer abroad, contact GDR today.

1. Describe your experience working in the clinic.

As a dental hygienist in the clinic, my role was to follow the scopes of practice outlined by the state of California, where I hold my license. Each day began with breakfast at a local restaurant run by Cristy, who coordinated our work with the school children. My schedule typically involved clinic hours from 8:30 to 12:30pm, followed by a lunch break at Cristy’s, and an afternoon session from 1-4pm.

After clinic hours, we would enjoy dinner at Cristy’s before heading back to the hotel to freshen up. Evenings were spent playing cards together until bedtime, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the team.

Some days, we explored the local market or took scenic truck rides around town, which added to the experience. The interactions with the students were the highlight of my work. Despite my limited Spanish, we connected through laughter and empathy. One child made me a bracelet with a tooth on it as a thank you, and I still wear it today. This gesture was a touching reminder of the impact we can have on the communities we serve.

2. What was your biggest takeaway from volunteering with Global Dental Relief?

Volunteering with Global Dental Relief was a transformative experience, and my biggest takeaway was the profound impact of providing dental care in underserved communities. The opportunity to help children who otherwise would not have access to dental services highlighted the importance of oral health in overall well-being. Despite language barriers, I learned that empathy and kindness transcend words, allowing me to connect with patients on a personal level.

Working alongside dedicated professionals and local organizers taught me the value of teamwork and adaptability. Each day presented new challenges, from limited resources to navigating cultural differences, yet our collective commitment to making a difference kept us motivated. The gratitude and resilience of the children and their families were incredibly moving, and their appreciation reinforced my passion for dental care.

Additionally, the experience deepened my understanding of global health disparities and the crucial role of volunteer work in addressing these gaps. It reminded me that even small acts of service can create lasting change. This experience inspired me to continue seeking opportunities to volunteer and advocate for improved access to dental care worldwide.

3. How did this opportunity impact you? How will this experience impact your dental hygiene career?

Volunteering with Global Dental Relief had a profound impact on me, both personally and professionally. This experience deepened my appreciation for the importance of dental care in local and global health and highlighted the disparities in access to such services. Witnessing firsthand the difference that dental care can make in underserved communities reinforced my commitment to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to all patients.

This opportunity also taught me invaluable lessons in adaptability and cultural sensitivity. Working in a different environment with limited resources required me to think creatively and develop efficient solutions. These skills will be crucial as I advance in my dental career, allowing me to better serve a diverse patient population and navigate various challenges with flexibility and empathy.

The experience also strengthened my communication skills, as I learned to connect with patients despite language barriers. Building rapport through empathy and nonverbal communication has enriched my approach to patient care and will continue to enhance my interactions in the dental field.

Overall, this volunteer work has inspired me to seek further opportunities for service and advocacy, aiming to make a meaningful impact on oral health disparities worldwide and ensure that all individuals have access to quality dental care.

The post Providing Dental Hygiene Services in Underserved Communities first appeared on Global Dental Relief.

Fall is in the air – pumpkin spice lattes, colorful leaves and crisp mornings abound. It’s a welcome relief from the hot summer days. Though it seems several months away, spring break is just around the corner. After the festive holidays, cold grey days can seem endless and one will likely be craving a sunny destination. Volunteering with Global Dental Relief this March is a great Spring Break alternative for anyone looking to give back and travel the world.

Sneak peek at a day of sightseeing at one of our clinics in Cambodia!

This year, Global Dental Relief offers two spring break alternatives for students and families looking for a unique Spring Break vacation. In March of 2019, GDR will be hosting clinics in Siem Reap, Cambodia as well as Antigua, Guatemala. Both clinics are perfect for those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure this Spring Break.

Enjoy the sights and flavors of Cambodia with tropical fruits and Khmer cuisine.  Volunteer teams stay at the lovely Shinta Mani Resort, one of the top hotels in Southeast Asia, and spend their off days exploring the Angkor Wat temples and the Terrance of Elephants. Shopping, fish pedicures, and relaxing by the saltwater pool are just a few other things to enjoy while in Cambodia.

At the clinic, volunteers are greeted by eager children who are excited to visit the dentist! As each child moves through the clinic, they bow and smile in gratitude. Without a doubt, the kids are the best part of any clinic.

This year, our clinic in Guatemala coincides with one of the most beautiful times of year – lent. Volunteers explore adorned Catholic churches and witness processions as they promenade through the cobblestone streets. This offers a true cultural experience for any Spring Break getaway.

In Guatemala, the clinic is nestled in the quaint colonial town of Ciudad Vieja – the first capital of Guatemala. The children are all smiles as they wait in line outside of the clinic. When it’s their turn, they hop into the dental chair with much excitement ready to practice English with the “gringo” dentist or hygienist. After the clinic ends, volunteers enjoy a relaxing weekend away at beautiful Lake Atitlan before heading home.

A glimpse of beautiful Lake Atitlan.

When planning a Spring Break vacation, nothing competes with the life-changing adventure of attending a Global Dental Relief clinic. Take the trip of a lifetime and come experience Spring Break in a whole new way!

Join us in Cambodia March 3^rd-21^st, or in Guatemala March 22^nd-31^st. Register now before it’s too late – spots are filling up fast! Click HERE to sign-up.

Call our office at 303.858.8857 or EMAIL us today to learn more about how you can give back this Spring Break!

The post Experience Spring Break in a Whole New Way! first appeared on Global Dental Relief.

Do you have a passion for volunteering and dental care? Consider joining Global Dental Relief on a volunteer trip to one of five developing countries where we provide vital dental care for children. Volunteers are the backbone of the work we do – treating as many as 800 children in the course of a week with complete dental care. We promise it will be a life-changing experience. Learn more below about how you can get involved to help children live happier, healthier lives!

Global Dental Relief provides life-changing dental care to children in Nepal, Guatemala, Ladakh, Kenya and Cambodia. Many times, the children we treat don’t have access to dental care. By establishing mobile dental clinics in these areas – and committing to seeing the same kids year after year – volunteers are able to make a significant impact in lives of children worldwide. As a volunteer with Global Dental Relief, here is what you can expect to experience when you participate in a clinic:

• Saving the smile of a child: This is our main goal and one of the most rewarding experiences you can have! Children come in to the clinic in profound pain and with infection. Volunteers address all areas of the mouth in the clinic – the child walks out visibly changed – smiling brighter and free of pain and infection!

• Hands-on experience: While working in one of our dental clinics, you will be surrounded by dental professionals who offer meaningful guidance and knowledge into the world of dental care.

• Lifelong friendships: What could be better than interacting with other passionate, like-minded, energetic and hard-working individuals. People who choose to volunteer share a common thread that is the basis for lifelong friendships. How about establishing genuine connections that will last a lifetime?

• New cultures: The regions where our clinics are set up offer one-of-a-kind experiences and interactions with the local culture. These interactions do not happen from a tour bus, they happen while working side by side with the local partners and families of the children we see in the clinic.

• Newfound appreciation: As citizens of a developed country, we have access to dental care any time we need it. We may not like going to the dentist, or we may find it expensive, but we have the ability to get treatment. Volunteering in a GDR clinic, gives you a deep appreciation for dentists and other medical professionals, and for the quality of care available to each of us.

The volunteer experience is one that is hard to explain. The culture, the children, and the communities you encounter during your time as a volunteer with Global Dental Relief are unforgettable!

Learn even more about volunteering with us and how you can start your application. Contact our office today at email: volunteer@globaldentalrelief.org or call 303-858-8857.

The post The Volunteer Experience: What Is It Like to Volunteer with Global Dental Relief? first appeared on Global Dental Relief.

Dental care is a luxury many people take for granted. Regular exams and routine cleanings are an annual occurrence for many. But for children who live in remote areas of the world, access to proper dental care is often a “once in a lifetime” opportunity.

Here at Global Dental Relief (GDR) we are committed to providing children with comprehensive dental care and oral health education. GDR volunteer teams of dentists, hygienists and general volunteers provide dental care to children in need all across the globe.

We need your help! This work is only possible through the generous support of volunteers! There is space for you on several of our upcoming clinics in 2018. We are looking for caring and compassionate volunteers to complete our teams of volunteers. There are still openings for volunteers to join us in Guatemala and Nepal this summer.

Guatemala
There are opportunities for both dentists and hygienists to join us in Guatemala this summer to work in the beautiful and remote village of San Martin Jilotepeque. The dental clinic is situated in the Guatemalan highlands among the indigenous Mayan people, offering first-hand interaction with the rich Guatemalan culture. During this trip, you have the opportunity to visit the stunning capital of Antigua as well as embark on a zip line excursion and coffee plantation tour.

Nepal
Dentists, hygienists and general volunteers are needed in GDR clinics in Nepal this August. Here we set up a week-long dental clinic at Shree Mangal Dvip Boarding School in Kathmandu. This charity school was founded to meet the needs of children from the remote villages in the Himalayas. At the end of the clinic, volunteers visit the beautiful mountain town of Pokhara. Pokhara is full of endless outdoor adventures and home to the Annapurna trailhead.

Volunteering with GDR is not only an opportunity for an exciting adventure, it is also a chance to enrich the lives and smiles of children around the world.

If you would like to become a volunteer with Global Dental Relief, call our office at 303.858.8857 or email volunteer@globaldentalrelief.org today!

The post We need YOU: Clinic openings in 2018. first appeared on Global Dental Relief.

In the fall of 2017, The Rotary Club of Southeast Denver partnered with Global Dental Relief to help sponsor two clinics in Kathmandu, Nepal. Through multi-club efforts, Rotarians contributed a generous donation of $19,500 to Global Dental Relief’s clinics in Nepal.

Local Denver Rotarians – Jan Lovelady and Aloah Kincaid – were able to attend the clinics in Kathmandu last fall. With open minds and willing spirits, the two traveled to half way around the world, to see their hard work in action. Jan had previously been to Nepal – five times in fact – but for Aloah this was her first time.

“Everything about it was impressive,” was Jan’s response when asked what she thought of the clinic set-up. “Coming from the US perspective, it was quite gratifying to see the impact and difference dental care makes in the lives of the Nepali people.”

During their time in Nepal, the two Denver Rotarians had the unique opportunity to work with a local affiliate, The Kantipur Rotary club. The Kantipur Rotary club provided translators to work in the clinic, teaching the children oral health education. They also organized and transported students to the clinic so they could receive dental care.

Thanks to the Rotary Southeast Club of Denver and to Rotarian, Jan Lovelady, this partnership provided dental care to 1,029 Nepali children. Their smiles say it all.

Through generous sponsorships, Global Dental Relief provides children, who otherwise would have no access to treatment, proper dental care and oral health education. Treatment for children who come into GDR clinics includes exams, restorative dental procedures, extractions and cleanings. Patients also receive a toothbrush, fluoride treatment and lessons in oral health education.

This year, Global Dental Relief will host 24 clinics across five countries and nine different clinic locations. Volunteer positions are still available on our 2018 clinics. Contact us today (volunteer@globaldentalrelief.org) to find out how you can be a part of our mission to bring free dental care to children in need around the world!

The post Denver Southeast Rotary Club Helps Children in Nepal first appeared on Global Dental Relief.

As Cambodia’s most popular tourist destination, Siem Reap offers a fascinating blend of traditional and modern life. During your work with Global Dental Relief (GDR), you will have many opportunities to experience the unique splendor and culture of Cambodia.

During the time spent in Cambodia, volunteers stay at the Shinta Mani Resort, a boutique hotel that is run by the Shinta Mani Foundation (SMF). Founded to improve the economy and reduce poverty, this nonprofit organization provides free hospitality training to help underprivileged Khmer develop employment-ready skills and experience. The Shinta Mani Foundation improves the lives of villagers by installing wells, providing homes and offering employment opportunities. And now in partnership with GDR, SMF is extending dental care to village children.

A few of the many sites you will see on sightseeing days during your trip include:

• Angkor Wat: One of the largest religious monuments ever built, this temple complex is believed by many to be the Eighth Wonder of the World. The five towers stand as symbols of Mount Meru’s five peaks, and the moat represents the world’s oceans.

• Ta Prohm: Ta Prohm was built in 1186 and over the centuries has been engulfed by the jungle. While other temple structures of the Angkor complex have had their jungle overgrowth removed, Ta Prohm remains largely as it was when it was discovered by French explorers in the 19th century.

• Kampong Khleang: There are three main floating villages in Siem Reap; of them, Kampong Khleang offers the most authentic experience. The village is comprised of several dozen wooden structures–homes, schools, clinics–floating on the river. During the dry season, the village rests on Tonle Lap Lake but will move along the river according to the time of year.

• Cambodian People: One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering overseas is the opportunity to connect with the local people and culture. Unlike a sightseeing tour, volunteering offers the chance to work side-by-side with the Khmer people and to learn about their way of life. Take the time to get to know your Khmer colleagues and to sit with the kids in the clinic. Our volunteers report that by far, the friendships they form with the local people is the most fulfilling part of the experience.

Learn more about exciting opportunities in Cambodia by reviewing the trip itinerary or contact our office today. We are excited to welcome you aboard our mission to provide much-needed dental care to the children of Siem Reap and offer you a life-changing experience.

The post 4 Reasons to Visit and Volunteer in Cambodia first appeared on Global Dental Relief.

Here are five ways to support GDR’s work without ever boarding a plane:

1.) Our clinics are held afloat by every single donation offered to our organization. In fact, every $20 donated provides one child the first dental care of their lives. GDR is able to leverage every dollar donated to maximize the amount of care we can provide in the field. Administration costs are less than 10% of our budget and our dedicated volunteers donate their time and talent, paying their own way to help kids in need. This means your donation goes directly to providing dental care to children.

2.) Do you have friends or family who are service-loving dental professionals or who would love our cause? You can shop at our Global Dental Relief store to find meaningful gifts for your loved ones. Whether it be a gift card, holiday card packs, a travel bag or a CD of lovely classical compositions, it will not only brighten the lives of those you care about, but every purchase helps children in need.

3.) If you are seeking to make an even greater difference in the lives of children around the world, you can become a sponsor. Our sponsors help us equip and operate clinics for thousands of children every year. You can sponsor dental care for all the children in a single school, in a clinic, in an entire country or even thousands of children in all five countries.

4.) At the end of our lives, we would all like to know that we have made an impact in the world. One way to do this is to leave what is called a charitable bequest in your will. To find out more, take a look at our Become a Legacy Partner webpage.

5.) And finally, if you happen to be a dental supplier, we are always in need of donated dental supplies to aid our clinics, whether it be toothbrushes, dental instruments, latex gloves, fluoride varnish, etc. For a full list of what we are looking for, check out our Donate Supplies page.

Thank you, from the children we serve, for your care and concern. Your generosity will help children around the world live happier, healthier lives. For more information on serving opportunities available, please email us at volunteer@globaldentalrelief.org.

The post Supporting the Children of GDR by Serving from Afar first appeared on Global Dental Relief.

1. Educational impact. We are able to educate and instill oral health awareness and habits in children before decay sets in. Each time a child enters a GDR clinic, they learn why to brush, how to brush and the effects that diet has on their teeth. They hear this message again and again. They then pass their knowledge to their parents, siblings and friends.

2. We start treating kids at age six before extensive dental decay has had time to develop in permanent teeth. By reaching kids young we can arrest decay when it first starts. Children are tracked by school and they return to GDR clinics every two years to receive long-term continuous care.

Over the course of 16 years, GDR volunteers have provided complete dental care to 135,000 children in five countries. The donated value of care exceeds 30 million. Each child receives an exam, a cleaning, and any fillings or extractions they may need. They receive a toothbrush and a fluoride varnish treatment.

Here’s a snapshot of a day in the life of the children at our clinic:

1. Children arrive in groups with other students from their school. First, they each receive brand new toothbrush. Some of these children have never seen a toothbrush before. Volunteers work with kids to teach them how to brush and about nutrition and the effects that sugar has on their teeth.

2. Once inside the clinic, each child receives a full exam

3. If a cavity or other dental issue is detected, dentists and hygienists offer treatment immediately. If further treatment is needed children return to the clinic two or three times over the course of the week until all care is completed.

4. Each child receives an application of fluoride varnish to help strengthen their tooth enamel.

The clinic is bustling with children and volunteers. There are glimpses of awe and trepidation, but what is remembered by all are the moments of connection as volunteers and children reach across cultures.

Time and again, we see this model work. Children return to our clinic with healthier teeth, and stronger oral hygiene habits. Good oral health leads to better overall physical health, and their newfound knowledge touches their families and friends.

Whether you are a dentist, hygienist, dental assistant, or a non-dental volunteer, the magic of this organization comes from your dedication to making a difference. Would you like to join us? email volunteer@globaldentalrelief.org, call us at 303.858.8857, or register by visiting our registry page.

The post The Global Dental Relief Model of Care first appeared on Global Dental Relief.