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.

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.