Description

Our pre-dentistry program targets students with a serious and documented interest in healthcare in general and dentistry in particular. The program integrates various learning components such as group discussion sessions, time spent in hospitals shadowing dentists, and time volunteering in community projects.

The program is unique because it introduces various clinical skills and allows participants to observe procedures in a way that is rarely available to pre-dental students. Shadowing dentists, participants will be introduced to skills and procedures including:

* History taking and examination
* Case management
* General dental care, routine cleaning and check ups
* Scaling, intra oral radiographs
* Permanent and general fillings
* Composite restorations
* Tooth extractions
* Treatment of gum diseases
* Incision and drainage
* Root canal treatment
* Bridges, dental veneers and crowns
* Maxillofacial procedures

Those taking part in dental outreach volunteering will participate in management of dental carries and periodontal disease in primary school children during outreach programs.

In addition to hospital volunteering, participants also participate in several community projects.

The program is well structured, supervised, and is delivered by qualified dentists. Participants are evaluated at the end of the program and those who have met program requirements receive a certificate of completion. We also complete required forms and documentation for any students seeking college credit. The program manager is happy to write letters of recommendation for dental school application for anyone needing them.

Key highlights of the program

* Early and close exposure to dentistry for those considering it as a profession
* A unique way to demonstrate seriousness of intent in a dental school application
* Volunteer and community service in selected projects
* Opportunity to see healthcare in a different setting
* Cultural exchange and appreciation of other cultures, including a Safari to the famous Masai Mara and a visit to a Masai village

Highlights

Overview of the Country

With a population of 39 million, Kenya is situated in the east of Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, north of Tanzania. Relative size of country is slightly more than twice the state of Nevada or approximately two and half times the size of Britain. Kenya remains a popular tourist destination given is world famous wildlife attracting Safari tourists  the country has numerous wildlife reserves containing thousands of animal species; with the most popular being the "big five" of Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino and Elephant . The country is also a popular touring destination given its exotic reef-lined beaches on the coast of the Indian Ocean. The country has numerous wildlife reserves. The country's popularity has recently gotten a further boost with President Obama's Kenyan roots.

The country is named after Mt. Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa. Kenya is bordered by Ethiopia to the north, Uganda to the West, Tanzania to the South and the eastern side boarders the Indian Ocean.

Kenya has a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and dry in the northern parts of the country. The country receives a great deal of sunshine all the year round and summer clothes are worn throughout the year. It is usually cool at night and early in the morning.

The country is a democracy and the economy is a market based system. The key economic activities are tourism and agriculture.

Qualifications

Applicants can either be college students looking to join dental school or are already in a pre-dentistry program and are looking for an opportunity for some hands on experience and volunteering.

Intern Types

• Dentistry
• Health Sciences
• Medicine

Languages

• English

Subject Areas

• Dentistry
• Health Sciences
• Medicine

Cost in US$:

1,950 for 4 weeks in Kenya: 2,400 for 4 weeks in Tanzania, Arusha

Program Fees Include:

- Organizing your trip and pre-departure support
- Organizing airport pick-up
- Orientation
- Accommodation
- Food
- Support network
- Visa advisory

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

18 and above

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Resume
• Other
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Elective Africa's Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide and offer opportunities for both students and international volunteers to interact in development and educational programs thus enabling them to gain experience and build their capacities for their lives and that of future generations.

Year Founded

2000