When Zoe, a sophomore at Davidson College, got the chance to join Smiles Movement through a friend from Wake Forest, she didn’t hesitate. She wanted to volunteer, get hands-on experience, and give back to communities in need. For her, it was the perfect opportunity, and it delivered in all the right ways.

“This trip has influenced my future aspirations,” Zoe said. “I just want to give back and help others, whether it’s in Peru or back home.” That’s exactly what great pre-dental programs do. They help students see what dentistry really looks like while also reminding them why they chose this path in the first place.

Experience That Goes Beyond the Classroom

For many students like Zoe, programs like Smiles offer something you can’t find in a textbook: perspective. Volunteering in communities with limited access to care shifts the way you think about patient needs and your own role in the field. This kind of real-world experience is one of the most valuable things future dental professionals can gain early on.

Saying Yes to New Opportunities

Zoe joined the trip thanks to a recommendation from a friend. That peer-to-peer connection is common among students in pre-dental programs, and it shows how impactful these experiences can be. If you’re considering joining one, know that it’s more than service hours. You’ll develop meaningful skills and personal insight along the way.

Learn more about the journey of a Smiles Movement volunteer and what to expect from start to finish.

Giving Back, Gaining Confidence

Zoe emphasized how fulfilling it was to give back while gaining firsthand experience. And that’s a core part of what makes pre-dental volunteer opportunities so effective. You get to serve others, but you also grow. You learn to communicate, adapt, and reflect on what kind of provider you want to be. Explore five key skills you can build while volunteering abroad.

For many students, volunteering also offers clarity about their future. If you’re still figuring out your next steps, check out this guide to entering dental school for helpful tips and direction.

Advice From Zoe: Just Do It

When asked what advice she’d give to other students considering the trip, Zoe kept it simple: “Do it.” That encouragement is something we hear a lot from students after they return. Whether you’re looking for pre-dental volunteer opportunities, a way to strengthen your application, or a program that feels aligned with your goals, there’s value in getting involved.

And if you're exploring volunteer abroad programs for college students, know that these kinds of immersive experiences are becoming an essential part of dental education.

Join the Smiles Movement to Promote Oral Health

Ready to take the next step? Download the brochure to explore our pre-dental programs, get involved, and start building your future in dentistry.