Description

The journey begins in Saigon where we spend two days adjusting to the time change and enjoying the sites offered by this thriving city. We continue north to Danang and on to Hoi An, our base during the clinic. EMWF, our local partners, pick the village school where we will work for the week. Each day we head out of Hoi An to the village and work side by side with our Vietnamese counterparts. Work days are long but immensely rewarding!

Volunteers are completely immersed in local culture during the clinic. Almost no one speaks English! Mothers and fathers stand outside the clinic, eagerly waiting for their children to be seen by the dentists. Volunteer lunches are prepared by the village - typical Vietnamese food - always followed by whatever fruit is in season.

Evenings are spent walking around the beautiful beach town of Hoi An - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Food is abundant and so is the shopping - Hoi An is especially known for its tailors who can make almost anything within 24 hours.

At the end of the week, after helping our local partners pack up the clinic, we say a tearful good-bye to our new-found friends. For those who choose to do the optional sightseeing, the journey continues on a cultural exploration north to Hue, Hanoi and Halong Bay.

Highlights

* Working side by side with local Vietnamese staff
* Being completely immersed in the local culture
* Providing much needed dental care to hundreds of children.
* Staying in the picturesque town of Hoi An while working in the clinic.

Qualifications

We need Dentists, Hygienists, Assistants and non-dental volunteers to work in the clinic. You don't have to be in the dental profession to volunteer! Over half of our volunteers have no dental experience. Our non-dental volunteers manage patient lines, teach toothbrush instruction, apply fluoride varnish, and help to run the clinic.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

950

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The cost includes:
* Most meals
* In country transportation
* Some sightseeing on days off from the clinic
* Lodging

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Our volunteers come from all over the world. They range in age from 18 to 80. They are enthusiastic and care about being involved in a volunteer program that truly makes a difference in peoples lives. They form a community and remain friends long after the volunteer project is over!

Age Range

18 - 85 years old

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Guest House

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 to 2 weeks

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Global Dental Expeditions's Mission Statement

Global Dental Expeditions brings free dental care to impoverished children of Nepal, northern India, Vietnam and Guatemala in partnership with local organizations. Volunteer dentists, hygienists, assistants and non-medical volunteers deliver treatment and preventive care in dental clinics that serve children in schools, orphanages and remote villages.

Year Founded

2002