I’m a pre-dental student interested in getting volunteer experience. Can the Dental Brigade program help me?
Dental Brigade offers dental and pre-dental students hands-on, real world experience in the field of dentistry in remote communities in Honduras, Panama, and Ghana where we focus. Even if you are not a pre-dental students, you can still join and help the people in these communities and experience the local culture. In conjunction with Medical Brigade program, we establish mobile dental clinic where we provide many dental services in rural areas that do not have access to oral care otherwise. Dental Caries (also known as a tooth decay or cavity) is the most common disease in the world. In Honduras, Panama, and Ghana, the villages that we work with, dentists note that over ninety percent of the people have cavities and where 80% of the population has no access to any type of dentistry.

Can you tell me more about how I might get specific hands-on experiences? What kinds of things might I be doing as a member of the Dental Brigade?
As a member of the Dental Brigade Program, you participate in a one week dental brigade opportunity in Honduras, Panama, or Ghana, where we will partner with communities to set dental clinics alongside the Medical Brigade. On the brigade itself, you’ll be providing urgent dental care and preventive workshops. Volunteers will be able to shadow licensed dentists who do extractions, cleanings on children, fill cavities and to assist them in dental educational workshops. Every volunteer would have the opportunity to shadow each of those procedures and really help the people in the community.

Wow! That’s very, very exciting. Though I’m really scared of needles and dental procedures. Is there any way I can make an impact?
Definitely! We want you to be as comfortable with the work that you are providing. There are many things you can do outside of the dental room. One huge important aspect of our program is education. This is where you will have the unique opportunity to really make an impact, especially with the children in the community. Volunteers will be providing dental education in a form of a game, skit, music, etc. and show them how to brush their teeth and maintain a healthy lifestyle in a way that will keep them excited. This is one of the best way to really get to know the community and experience the local culture.

Do I need any special experience before I can participate in a dental brigade?
Dental Brigades offer opportunities for people on varying degrees of dental experience. If you’re a pre-dental student or just a regular volunteer, you have the opportunity to see nearly every aspect of the dental brigade and do not need any prerequisite other than having the passion to help. If you are a licensed dentist, obviously there are more things you’ll be able to actually conduct during the dental brigade. Services such as extractions, fillings, scalings, and fluoride treatments are normally provided on brigades. We highly recommend you to brush up on your Spanish and really get to know the people you serve!

Can volunteers perform teeth extractions?
Unlicensed volunteers cannot perform any procedures but will have the amazing opportunity to observe and learn from licensed dentists. There are many things students can do to help with the brigade. We want to lower any risk to the volunteer and the patient and provide the best service possible.

Where do the funds I raise go?
Your in-country costs are split between several areas such as food, lodging, transportation, and staffing. The complete breakdown can be seen here.

Is this safe?
The safety of the student volunteers is Global Brigades’ number one priority and is the single most important consideration when entering a community or choosing a project. Each country that Global Brigades serves in has implemented safety protocols and policies to decrease any risk of danger and to ensure that any emergency can be properly handled in a prompt and professional manner. For more information on safety precautions, emergency procedures and insurance information please visit the safety section of the Student Resource Site section of the Student Resource Site.

This sounds great! How do I get involved!
First, find out if your school has a Dental Brigade chapter that you can join by locating it on the interactive map on our homepage. If your school does not have a chapter, contact a Dental Program Advisor at MDAdvising@globalbrigades.org, and check out the step-by-step process involved in starting a club.