Global Dental Relief (GDR) partners with Cranberry USA, a dental supply company, to offer volunteer scholarship opportunities to pre-dental and pre-dental hygiene students. In 2017, Cranberry USA awarded five $1,000 scholarships to students who are passionate about bringing dental care to kids overseas.

Scholarship recipients attended clinics in Guatemala, Kenya, Nepal, and Cambodia. The awarded scholars were able to join Global Dental Relief as general volunteers and gain hands-on experience from seasoned dental professionals during their time abroad.

Abby Washam, 2017 Cranberry scholarship winner, working chairside in Kenya.

Scholarship winner, Rada-Mayya, attended a GDR clinic in Kathmandu, Nepal last year: “This trip changed my life. I learned by helping others in need my life has a true meaning. I have learned that dentistry will allow me to combine my scientific and technical expertise with my desire to treat the underserved, while constantly being challenged to improve myself professionally and personally … Without a doubt, I returned home with a broader perspective, and a new appreciation of cultural diversity.”

The Cranberry Volunteer Scholarship provides a unique opportunity for aspiring dental professionals to experience the world of dentistry firsthand. Volunteers spend six days working in the clinic performing a variety of different tasks. Recipients assist dentists and hygienists, teach oral health education, apply fluoride treatments, manage clinic flow and help keep records for each patient seen in our clinic.

2017 Cranberry Scholarship Winner, Rada-Mayya, pictured with children in Nepal during her time working at GDR’s clinic in Kathmandu.

Are you a pre-dental or pre-dental hygiene student with a passion for serving children in need? We invite you to gain first-hand experience by joining Global Dental Relief in our endeavor to bring free dental care to children overseas. By applying for the Cranberry Scholarship, you will have the chance to win a $1,000 scholarship towards a 2018 clinic in Kenya, Guatemala, Nepal, India or Cambodia.

If you are interested in this unique opportunity, please call us at 303.858.8857 or email volunteer@globaldentalrelief.org for more information.

The post CRANBERRY USA AND GLOBAL DENTAL RELIEF: A PARTNERSHIP EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF DENTAL PROFESSIONALS. first appeared on Global Dental Relief.

Eiryn spent ten days working in the village and had the opportunity to shadow and work alongside seasoned dentists and health professionals. During her time in the clinic, she was trained as a dental assistant and held various jobs to keep the clinic running smoothly.

She gained a new perspective of dentistry as she learned about dental procedures, equipment, and materials used by dentists in the clinic. When asked what she thought of her volunteer experience Eiryn said:

“I learned that it is important to keep my eyes open and continue learning wherever I go … I found myself smiling every day for a different reason.”

Last year, Eiryn was a HOSA ambassador at Falcon High School in Colorado. This year, she will enter her fourth year as a HOSA member. She has competed on the state level for three years and plans to compete again this year.

HOSA is a nationwide organization that strives to empower the next generation of health professionals. They aim to “enhance the delivery of compassionate, quality health care by providing opportunities for knowledge, skill and leadership development of all health occupation students.” Learn more at www.hosa.cccs.edu. Global Dental Relief has worked very closely with HOSA for five years and was recently named the 2017 HOSA Colorado Partner of the Year.

When asked how HOSA has prepared her for the future, Eiryn reflected: “HOSA has definitely impacted my future. They have shown me what I want for my future and also what I don’t. HOSA taught me a lot about independence, and that even in high school I can start working and looking forward to what is ahead.”

The Colorado HOSA chapter continues to award two scholarships each year for HOSA students nationwide. For more information on scholarship opportunities available, please email volunteer@globaldentalrelief.org.

The post Empowering the Next Generation of Health Professionals first appeared on Global Dental Relief.

Global Dental Relief (GDR) partners with Cranberry USA, a dental supply company and generous sponsor. As a GDR sponsor, Cranberry USA offers five $1,000 scholarships to pre-dental and pre-dental hygiene students who are passionate about bringing dental care to kids overseas.

Thanks to Cranberry USA, Jocelin Calcagano – our first scholarship recipient – was able to join Global Dental Relief as a general volunteer in San Martin, Guatemala. Jocelin taught oral health education to students, she was able to gain hands-on experience by assisting dentists all while gaining practical experience for her future.

Jocelin was moved by the children she served and worked with, experiencing another culture first hand.  She gained insight into her future profession while working alongside experienced dentists and hygienists.

“The Cranberry Scholarship allowed me to see dental care in action. I’ve always wanted to do service overseas but could never afford it. Cranberry helped me tremendously, they were the reason I was able to attend the clinic.”

Jocelin is highly motivated with a strong desire to make an impact, big or small.  She applies for dental school this summer, aiming for a dual degree in dentistry and public health. In her scholarship application she writes: A career in dentistry, gives me the platform to promote preventative care and create alliances that drive change in communities … Dentistry is not just a career choice for me; it is a commitment to service that I’m ready to fulfill.

Jocelin has taken a major step in her pursuit of making a difference in the world of dentistry.  As a pre-dental or pre-dental hygiene student, you can be a part of the difference too.  Global Dental Relief has two remaining scholarships for our 2017 Fall clinics in Cambodia and India.

Global Dental Relief is thankful for generous sponsors, like Cranberry USA, who give students the unique opportunity to work and gain experience in the field of dentistry overseas.

If you are interested in learning more about the Cranberry scholarship or ways you can volunteer with us, call 303-858-8857 or email volunteer@globaldentalrelief.org.

The post Our First Cranberry Scholar in Action: A Cranberry USA and Global Dental Relief Partnership first appeared on Global Dental Relief.