Description

The home requires the support and assistance of an individual who is either qualified as a Dentist or a Dental Assistant, or someone who is studying to qualify as such. As this residence is focused on providing holistic care for its community members, dental health is highly important. Those volunteering in this field can expect to do a variety of tasks, including organizing and inventorying supplies and instruments, working closely in communication with Dentists and supervisors to implement their current practices and respectfully share and contribute methods of dentistry from home practices.

Tasks could also include providing routine checkups, fitting dentures and assisting residents in feeling comfortable with flossing and/or denture care. You would also be asked to interact with the residents during appointments to ensure their comfort plus perform and observe dental procedures as per your professional experience.

Another important task would be to organize and facilitate workshops on the importance of dental hygiene to the residents and possibly other community members who are interested.

Highlights

Hogar Carlos Maria Ulloa home for the elderly is the central project of the Kiwanis Club of Costa Rica. The home receives some government funding, but they operate on a tight budget and are in constant need of extra assistance and donations.

The residents at the home are age sixty-five and up, and come from all walks of life. The facility provides a range of care for the elderly, from those who are high functioning and largely independent to those who are infirm and require complete assistance for day to day tasks. Some of the residents come from wealthy families who can no longer care for their elderly relatives, while some of the residents have been taken in from the street. For those who cannot afford to pay, the Kiwanis club covers all of their expenses, a gesture indicating respect for the elderly, and the individuals right to live out their life in comfort.

This is important work as the residents are being given the respect and care which they deserve both as human beings and as the elders of this society. Many of the residents would be on the street without this facility.
Good dental hygiene is an essential part of the holistic health of any individual. When people are elderly, this is especially important.

Maintaining excellent dental health is essential to maintaining quality of life. Many elderly people are forgotten about in this area of their health, however; in order to maintain the ability to eat independently, speak clearly and remain healthy, the teeth and gums are crucial. This placement needs volunteers who are trained or are training to become professionals in this area to assist in the key maintenance of dental health for its residence.

Qualifications

Qualified Dentist or Dental Assistant or someone who is studying Dentistry would be beneficial at this placement.

Minimum Education

High School

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 3.295 for 8 weeks; USD 250 each additional wk.

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Upon arrival in country our staff will pick you up at the airport and return you to our Orientation Center for a safety briefing and general country orientation. For this program you are required to complete one - 4 weeks of language training and orientation which is included in the cost of the program. At the end of that week you will transfer to your placement to begin volunteering. Our staff are available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week should you require help of any kind.

Experience Required

yes

Compassionate and motivated with respect for the elderly and a willingness to provide support for those in need are important personality traits for volunteers at this placement.Its very important a very patient person.

Volunteer Types

• Dental Volunteering
• Elderly
• Health
• Health Care
• Homelessness
• Medicine

Typical Volunteer

We believe everyone can contribute by volunteering. Recent graduates from high school, college or university, professionals taking a career break, recent retirees, individuals or groups who are interested in a change and the chance to enrich their own life and the lives of others. If you are 18 years or older you can apply for any of the placements available. If you are from 16-18 years old you may apply for placements near our Volunteer Abroad Office and Residence, so that we are able to give you more support. Both students and professionals are needed for placements in all our countries.

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of Depends on the placement

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

24-48 hrs

Basecamp International Centers's Mission Statement

We believe international volunteering promotes cross-cultural learning that helps create global awareness, understanding between cultures and provides the platform for positive change. Our volunteers have taught in schools, provided disaster relief support for the International Red Cross, conducted essential research to improve the management strategies of threatened environments, built homes for impoverished people, provided vocational training and programs for street kids and have worked in co-operation with hundreds of local organizations to distribute aid and improve the quality of life for people throughout Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Year Founded

1998