If you're thinking about becoming a volunteer dental assistant but have never volunteered abroad before, you might be wondering what the experience is really like. Is it hands-on? What kind of impact will I make? What if I’ve never traveled internationally or volunteered before? These are all common questions, and it's normal to feel unsure. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of what you can expect from your first volunteer dental assistant experience with Smiles Movement.
When you first arrive in the country where you’ll be volunteering, you'll be greeted by the Smiles Movement team, including your local coordinators and fellow volunteers. The first few days are focused on orientation, getting you acclimated to the area, meeting the team, and going over the logistics of your trip. You’ll receive training on the dental procedures you will assist with, an introduction to cultural practices, and instructions on how to interact with patients respectfully.
This is a great time to ask any questions and address any concerns you may have about the volunteering process, your role, or expectations.
As a volunteer dental assistant, you’ll have the opportunity to work in mobile dental clinics, where you'll help provide dental care to underserved communities. Your role will vary depending on the clinic's needs and your experience level. You may assist with setting up equipment, preparing dental materials, and assisting dentists during procedures. You’ll be directly involved in the delivery of care, whether that's taking patient history, sterilizing tools, or assisting with fillings or extractions under the guidance of experienced dentists.
It’s important to remember that you won’t be performing procedures on your own; you will always be working under the supervision of a licensed dentist. You’ll gain hands-on experience and exposure to a wide variety of dental procedures in real-world settings.
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a volunteer dental assistant is the constant learning. You’ll observe how dental professionals handle different cases, especially in resource-limited settings, and you’ll be exposed to practices that may not be common in your home country. You’ll also learn about global health disparities and gain valuable insights into how access to dental care differs around the world.
During your time in the field, you’ll interact with patients who may have never received dental care before. This creates opportunities for personal growth as you see firsthand the impact of your work and how dental care transforms lives. Your experience will not only help you build your technical skills but will also improve your ability to communicate with diverse populations.
Volunteering abroad with Smiles Movement isn’t just about dental care, it’s about immersing yourself in a new culture. You’ll have the chance to interact with the community, learn their language, and understand their customs and values. You’ll gain an appreciation for how cultural factors influence healthcare practices and patient interaction. It’s a powerful reminder that dental care is as much about connection as it is about treatment.
At the end of your volunteer trip, you'll have the opportunity to reflect on the experiences you had, the people you helped, and the skills you've developed. You’ll see how your contribution has made a lasting impact on both the community and your own growth as a dental assistant.
Volunteering as a dental assistant with Smiles Movement is an incredible opportunity to develop your skills, make a real difference, and experience new cultures across the globe.
To learn how you can join a Smiles Movement Service Learning Trip, download our free brochure today!