Dental care in developing countries is facing a critical shortage of professionals, resources, and access to basic oral health services. The gap between the need for care and the number of available dental professionals is vast, leaving millions at risk for preventable dental diseases. The Smiles Movement is actively working to bridge this gap by creating dental volunteer opportunities and empowering local communities through sustainable outreach.
Millions of people in developing countries live their whole lives without ever seeing a dentist. In many regions, dental care in developing countries is limited by low numbers of trained professionals, lack of equipment, and an absence of routine oral health education. This gap means that preventable issues like cavities, gum disease, and infections become major public health concerns.
The World Health Organization estimates that about 60-90% of school-aged children and nearly 100% of adults have dental cavities. These numbers are even higher in underserved communities, where dental clinic volunteer opportunities and outreach are limited.
The shortage of dental care in developing countries is the result of a complex web of issues that reinforce each other. First, there is a chronic lack of investment in oral health by national governments, which means fewer dental schools, less funding for public clinics, and limited outreach to rural areas. In many places, dentistry is seen as a luxury rather than a necessity, which makes it a lower priority for health policy and community education.
Socioeconomic inequalities also play a major role. Poverty limits families’ ability to pay for even basic dental care, and those living in remote regions may have to travel hours or days to find a qualified professional. Many children and adults go untreated simply because there are not enough dentists or hygienists available—sometimes as few as one dentist per 100,000 people. The lack of trained support staff, such as dental assistants and technicians, compounds this severe provider shortage.
Cultural beliefs and misconceptions about dental care, language barriers, and a lack of oral health education further widen the gap. Often, communities are not aware of the importance of preventive care or the long-term health risks associated with untreated dental problems. Poor infrastructure, including a lack of reliable transportation and dental equipment, creates additional barriers.
Several factors contribute to the lack of dental care in developing countries:
For more about dental care gaps in specific countries, check out Things To Know About Healthcare in Ecuador Before Volunteering Abroad and Things To Know About the Peruvian Healthcare System Before Volunteering Abroad.
The Smiles Movement recognizes the urgent need for better dental care in developing countries and is taking a hands-on approach. Rather than offering temporary fixes, the organization focuses on long-term, community-based solutions. By collaborating with local leaders and health authorities, Smiles Movement tailors its efforts to meet the unique challenges faced in each country. This direct involvement ensures that programs are sustainable, culturally relevant, and capable of addressing not just urgent needs, but also the systemic issues behind the dental care gap:
Smiles Movement organizes dental volunteer opportunities that allow students, professionals, and supporters to provide direct care in underserved areas. Volunteers deliver preventive and emergency services, teach oral hygiene, and offer much-needed support to local clinics.
Read more about what it’s like to serve on a volunteer team in Explore Peru While Also Giving Back: Sydney and Shriya’s Smiles Experience and Plan My Gap Year – Volunteering With Smiles Movement.
Smiles Movement invests in training local health workers and supporting clinics with resources and supplies. This approach ensures that progress continues after volunteers leave, creating a lasting impact.
Find out how building sustainable programs matters in From Smiles to Stories: The Real-life Impact of Smiles Movement Medical Missions Outreach Programs.
Education is a key part of bridging the gap in dental care in developing countries. Smiles Movement provides workshops, school visits, and community events to spread awareness about oral hygiene and disease prevention.
For more on the importance of education, see The Importance of Dental Education in Underserved Communities.
Participating in dental clinic volunteer opportunities not only helps fill an immediate need but also helps volunteers develop cultural competence, clinical skills, and a deeper understanding of global health issues. For students and professionals, this hands-on experience is invaluable and shapes the future of dentistry worldwide.
Read about the impact on volunteers in How Volunteer Trips Prepare You for the Real-World Challenges of Dentistry and Helping Students Gain Real-World Experience: What Educators Should Look for in a Program.
The need for dental care in developing countries is urgent and ongoing. Here’s how you can help:
Dental care in developing countries cannot wait. Whether you volunteer, donate, or share resources, you are part of the solution. Get involved today, help bridge the gap, and join the Smiles Movement in creating healthier smiles for everyone.
Want to spread the word or get involved? Download our brochures to share with your network, or directly assist communities in need by becoming a monthly donor (for less than one coffee a month) at our Moving Mountains donation page.