When Sydney and Shriya, both students at NC State, learned about Smiles Movement through their Pre-Dental Club, they saw it as a chance to do more than just gain volunteer hours. They saw it as a way to explore Peru, understand global oral health disparities, and get involved with work that makes a lasting difference.
“We were able to explore Peru and then also learn about the low-income communities and be able to help them,” said Sydney. Their experience highlights something we at Smiles Movement emphasize often—when students step into another country and engage with the community, they don’t just give back. They grow in ways that shape their path in dentistry.
Exposure Beyond the Classroom
Shriya described how eye-opening it was to visit communities where access to basic healthcare, including dental care, is limited. “When I went to visit one, it really opened my eyes.” That kind of firsthand learning gives context that lectures and textbooks just can’t provide.
Understanding how people live and what barriers they face can change how you think about patient care. It’s one reason we encourage volunteers to learn about Peru’s healthcare system before they arrive and consider the broader challenges discussed in our guide to comprehensive dental care in Peru.
Seeing Dentistry as an Art and a Global Practice
“Everyone treats it differently because it is an art,” Shriya said when comparing dental practices across borders. That’s a perspective many students gain during our trips—understanding that dentistry is more than procedures. It’s personal, cultural, and constantly evolving.
Through programs like Smiles, volunteers gain insight into how global communities address dental emergencies, manage preventive care, and prioritize needs. Learning about oral health in Peru and urban versus rural dental disparities helps volunteers understand both the challenges and the potential for change.
More Than Travel: Meaningful Volunteering
Sydney and Shriya didn’t just explore—they participated. They joined a team delivering care, health education, and hands-on support to underserved areas. That kind of engagement goes far beyond sightseeing. It’s the heart of what makes our volunteer work abroad programs so impactful.
If you're helping students explore their path or if you're a student yourself, this is more than a trip—it’s a step toward the future. Through programs like Smiles 4 Life, dental students make a difference and develop essential skills that the best pre dental programs are built to support.
How to Get Started
The journey starts with curiosity and a commitment to do more. Whether you’re in a pre-dental club or simply looking for meaningful summer plans, we’ve laid out what to expect in our step-by-step guide for volunteers.
You'll be supported every step of the way—from learning about dental emergency response through resources like dental emergency preparedness in Latin America, to exploring how your work contributes to cost-effective public health outreach.
Join the Smiles Movement to Promote Oral Health
Inspired by Sydney and Shriya’s story? You can start your own journey today. Download the brochure to learn more about our programs and how you can explore Peru while making a real impact.
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