As a parent, you want to help your child make the best choices as they explore potential careers. If your teen or college student has expressed interest in dentistry, you’ve likely started looking into opportunities that offer both experience and direction. Many parents first consider dentistry internships, which are valuable for clinical learning, but not always accessible to younger students. For those still early in their academic journey, Smiles Movement Service Learning Trips offer a meaningful alternative that combines exploration, travel, and impact without the need for previous schooling or experience.
Dentistry internships are typically designed for students who are already enrolled in dental school or at least in the later years of a pre-dental program. These programs focus on technical learning, observation, and clinical exposure, allowing students to shadow dentists or assist with routine procedures. Internships are an important step once your child is ready for advanced training. However, they often have strict eligibility requirements, making them less accessible for high school students or those still exploring the field.
If your child is in the early stages of their education and simply wants to confirm their passion for dentistry, starting with a professional internship might feel overwhelming. That’s where Service Learning Trips can play an important bridging role, offering early exposure in a supportive and guided environment.
Smiles Movement Service Learning Trips are short-term programs, typically lasting one to two weeks, that give students a first look at dentistry while allowing them to make a tangible difference in underserved communities abroad. Unlike traditional dentistry internships, these programs don’t require any prior education, clinical background, or experience. That makes them an ideal introduction for high school or early college students who are curious about dentistry but not yet ready for formal training.
During these trips, participants work alongside local professionals and community leaders, assisting in patient education, hygiene promotion, and outreach programs. They learn about oral health challenges in global contexts and see firsthand how access to dental care can change lives.
For parents, one of the biggest benefits of Smiles Movement programs is that they combine education with personal growth. Students gain independence, cross-cultural awareness, and leadership skills, all qualities that will serve them well in any future healthcare career. These trips are also safe, structured, and guided by experienced professionals who ensure that every participant contributes meaningfully while learning in an ethical, respectful way.
If your child plans to pursue dentistry, early exposure through a Smiles Movement trip can provide clarity and motivation. They’ll return home with new confidence, a broader worldview, and stories that strengthen college and scholarship applications. Later on, when they’re ready for dentistry internships, they’ll already have a foundation of understanding and purpose that sets them apart.
Helping your child take that first step doesn’t have to be complicated. By choosing a Smiles Movement Service Learning Trip, you’re giving them more than just an experience, you’re helping them begin a lifelong journey of learning, empathy, and professional growth.
To learn more about how you can join a Smiles Movement Service Learning Trip, download our free brochure to get started!
Even more, you can directly assist communities in need by becoming a monthly donor. For less than one coffee a month, you can make an impact in low-income communities.