A future career in dentistry is a noble goal for any student as the field is known for being both financially and personally rewarding. A career in dentistry provides the opportunity to directly impact the lives and overall health of others, but the real need for these services is not always highest close to home.

In today’s world, the greatest need for health professionals, dentists included, is seen in developing nations where oral health is often directly linked to overall health, although not always recognized as such. Experience working with low-income populations in developing nations can highlight a student’s compassion for underprivileged groups as well as their capacity to adapt to unique environments, two additions to a resume that could easily stand out to future employers or on dental school applications.

Every country in the world deals with oral health issues and needs in a slightly different way, and these small differences are the exact reason why international education experiences are so valuable to future dentists. Studying abroad can teach students about the unique environmental and social factors that affect oral health, as well as the much larger characteristics of life that unite people from all over the world.

Finding and appreciating human commonalities is one of the best lessons that can be learned from studying abroad, and the field of dentistry is no exception to the rule. Dental students will learn to work with a individuals from all different backgrounds, which will inevitably make them more approachable, well-rounded dentists in the future.