If you’re interested in travelling abroad and giving back through dentistry, you may have already searched for programs like Dentist Without Borders to volunteer abroad. While Dentist Without Borders is often mentioned as a global humanitarian dental option, not all programs operate with the same structure, framework, or accessibility for early-stage students. That’s where Smiles Movement comes in. Although Dentist Without Borders is commonly associated with long-term professional placements, Smiles Movement provides more accessible ways to volunteer abroad through short-term programs that follow ethical practices and focus on sustained community impact.

Understanding Dentist Without Borders

When people reference "Dentist Without Borders," they're typically referring to a large group of independent humanitarian initiatives that bring dentists to underserved regions or provide care to people who struggle to access dental care. Organizations like "Dentist Without Borders" or "4smile" often focus on providing free dental care to veterans, single parents, low-income families, and the homeless. Whereas The American Dental Association is a similar organization that uplifts dental students in volunteering abroad in places that are underserved medically.

While all of these groups do meaningful work, it can be hard to know which one to choose based off of your own needs, experience, and personal beliefs. Let's explore why choosing to volunteer with Smiles Movement might be the best option for you.

How Smiles Movement Approaches Volunteer Work

Smiles Movement was founded to create fewer roadblocks between people living in underserved areas and having access to dental care. Our model involves local professionals and community leaders in every project we do to ensure real continuity of care after volunteers leave. Smiles Movement focuses on lasting impact through ongoing patient monitoring, partnerships with local clinics, and focusing on the importance of education around preventative care.

We do not create solutions independently. Instead, our teams work alongside local dentists and specialists to support existing strategies and strengthen access to dental care. Volunteers collaborate with medical professionals who fully understand the local context, helping bridge resource gaps rather than replace local capacity.

Opportunities for Students and Those Without Experience

While some volunteer dentistry programs are usually only open to either licensed professionals or students already enrolled in dental school, Smiles Movement also offers structured opportunities for those who have no previous experience. This means that while working on a project, volunteers will:

• Observe procedures

• Assist with non-clinical tasks

• Support educational activities

• Learn directly from local specialists

None of the procedures we perform are done by volunteers, their job is to assist and learn.

Why Choose Smiles Movement to Volunteer Abroad?

• Short-term (1–2 week) options ideal for students and working professionals

• Ethical volunteer model driven by collaboration, not dependency

• Integration with local clinics for ongoing patient follow-up

• Clear educational value, supporting both personal growth and career preparation

Whether you’re a student exploring dentistry or a professional seeking to contribute meaningfully abroad, Smiles Movement offers a sustainable alternative to Dentist Without Borders programs.

Start Your Journey in Responsible Dental Volunteering Today

If you're considering volunteering abroad through dentistry and searching for alternatives to Dentist Without Borders, Smiles Movement provides a structured, ethical, and community-focused program tailored for both students and young professionals seeking hands-on experience.

Join us today and help support long-term dental health solutions while growing your experience and understanding of global dentistry.

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 by funding essential healthcare outreach and educational programs.