DENTAL HEALTHCARE - Work side by side with Dentists at a neighborhood dental health clinic and learn by practicing

Program Description

This Dentistry observation and experience opportunity is designed for current professionals and aspiring dentists. You'll gain hands-on work experience in a local hospital-based dental clinic or neighborhood health clinic, witnessing and having the chance to observe and learn about the differences between the dentistry practice in your country in contrast to the realities in a dentistry clinic in the Dominican Republic. Your involvement level will depend on your professional and Spanish language skills, motivation, and willingness to engage. Your work schedule will be discussed in a meeting with the departmental director, volunteer coordinator, and supervisor, but please note that schedules may be subject to sudden changes based on patients' needs. During the program, you'll shadow doctors and nurses and have the chance for hands-on experience according to your qualifications and language skills. To make the most of your involvement or if you have specific healthcare goals, please reach out to us promptly to discuss your options in detail.

Volunteer placement or internship

Our program offers flexible commitment options for volunteers, ranging from a minimum of 4 hours daily up to to 40 hours per week - you decide! If you're joining as an intern, we understand that your school or university may have specific requirements. Please inform us in advance about your internship criteria, enabling us to tailor a personalized work plan to suit your needs. Share your expectations and goals with us, and we'll work together to ensure you achieve them. We are happy to give students academic credit or provide a report outlining the learning outcomes and deliverables achieved during the internship.

What to expect

You have the opportunity to join this program at any time of the year. The working hours are primarily in the morning, aligning with the presence of doctors at the dental clinic. However, please be aware that as with any medical service, schedules may be subject to sudden changes, and this is due to the priority of addressing patients' immediate needs. The flexibility of the program allows volunteers to have a positive impact by supporting the staff in dental services when needed. While the schedule might vary, it also provides a dynamic and immersive experience, allowing you to witness the diverse cases and challenges that arise in dental clinics in the Dominican Republic. Rest assured that your dedication and willingness to adapt to changing circumstances will greatly contribute to the program's success and the overall well-being of the patients you serve. As you embrace this opportunity, you'll not only gain valuable hands-on experience but also make a positive difference in the lives of those in need of dental care.

Holidays

Christmas Holidays from December 16 until January 06, 2025.

Attention: Volunteers are welcome to stay at our Volunteer Guesthouse during Dominican Christmas and new year holidays! Even though working and business life comes to a halt through this two week period when the whole country is celebrating Christmas, our volunteers are welcome to celebrate Christmas and new year together with us and the Dominican people!

Activities can include but are not limited to

• Observing, shadowing and assisting the dentist
• In consultation with our coordinators and the clinic staff there is the possibility to start activities and workshops encouraging and teaching prevention of oral diseases through proper hygiene and regular check-ups for professional cleaning and evaluation (special prevention program for pregnant women)
• Providing oral health services support when needed, including dental assistance, dental hygiene and dental therapy
• Assisting the dentist according to your skills and experience with dental treatments: dental restorations, crowns, bridges, dentures, root canal therapy, periodontal therapy and extraction of teeth as well as dental examinations and diagnosis
• Oral health disease prevention classes in elementary school, that provides a crucial role in establishing healthy oral hygiene habits among children from an early age. These classes serve as a valuable tool for educating children about the importance of proper oral care, helping to prevent dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss in the future.

Benefits of oral health disease prevention classes in elementary schools:

1. Early Education: Implementing these classes at an early age allows children to learn correct oral hygiene habits from a young age, which can prevent long-term dental problems.
2. Healthy Habits: These classes not only teach about brushing and flossing but can also address topics such as a healthy diet, the importance of regular dental visits, and how to avoid behaviors harmful to oral health, such as smoking or excessive sugary drinks.
3. Prevention: Educating children about oral health can help prevent costly and painful dental problems in the future. Additionally, good oral health can have a positive impact on children's overall health and well-being.
4. Self-Confidence: Having a healthy and beautiful smile can boost children's self-confidence and improve their quality of life.
5. Fun and Engagement: Oral health disease prevention classes can be fun and interactive, making them more appealing to children and increasing the likelihood that they will retain the information learned.

Examples of activities:

• Talks and Presentations: Dentists or dental hygienists can visit schools to give talks and presentations on oral health. These presentations can include information about the anatomy of the mouth, the different types of dental problems, how to brush and floss properly, and the importance of a healthy diet.
• Hands-on Activities: Children can participate in hands-on activities, such as brushing teeth with tooth models, making their own mouth models, or creating posters about oral health.
• Games and Contests: Games and contests can be a fun and engaging way to teach children about oral health. For example, a tooth brushing contest or an oral health trivia game could be held.
• Educational Materials: Educational materials, such as brochures, posters, or coloring books, can be distributed to children to take home and share with their families.

Guidelines on medical Issues of the Dominican Republic:

• WHO report on health care reform in Dominican Republic, 2010
• Health System of the Dominican Republic, 2011. The website provides an excellent overview of common medical issues in the DR and the government health system. Only available in Spanish.

Requirements

We warmly welcome students and professionals from diverse backgrounds, including pre-university students aspiring for a dental career. Dental care volunteers should possess initiative, enthusiasm, and adaptability. Specialized skills enable engagement in more focused activities. While B1 Spanish skills are necessary, advanced proficiency opens up additional opportunities. Complimentary Spanish lessons are provided to enhance the experience of our valued dental care volunteers and interns. The program is open to elective students, dentistry students with available holiday time, pre-university students, and individuals pursuing specialized dentistry courses. Kindly bring easy-to-clean scrubs and closed shoes for clinic work, as they are mandatory.

Availability

This program is ongoing throughout the whole year and is not paused even through holidays!

Time Commitment

A minimum time commitment of 2 weeks is required and can be extended up to one year

Placement Location

Las Terrenas

About your Placement Location

The Aldeas de Paz Foundation is based in the charming coastal villages of Samana and Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic. Samana, in the north-eastern corner, has about 15,000 inhabitants and is renowned for its safety, tranquil atmosphere, and beautiful beaches. The community values social responsibility and exudes a secure, small European town vibe. The Dominican Republic's countryside is widely recognized for its peacefulness, making it one of the safest regions in the Caribbean. When you join our program, you'll experience a welcoming and secure environment while contributing to meaningful projects in this picturesque part of the world.

Accommodation

Discover our sought-after volunteer guesthouse apartments in Samaná and Las Terrenas, offering convenience, safety, and scenic beauty. Standard accommodation includes shared rooms for bonding with fellow volunteers from diverse backgrounds. Choose from double, single, or homestay options to immerse in local culture. Enjoy free wifi and access to a washing machine. Collaborate with volunteers worldwide for a rich cultural exchange and lifelong friendships. Join us in creating a respectful and supportive community, ensuring a personally rewarding volunteering experience. Be part of this meaningful journey and leave with unforgettable memories and lasting friendships.

Travel Logistics

Volunteer safety is our top priority. Upon your arrival at the airport, our friendly English-speaking driver will be there to greet you and help with your transit to the bus terminal. They'll ensure you have a direct and comfortable bus ticket to Samana, your placement location (approximately 2 hours). Once you arrive, our dedicated staff and fellow volunteers will warmly welcome you and escort you to your accommodation.

Costs & Benefits

At Aldeas de Paz, we are committed to affordability and financial transparency with our open book policy. Our minimum contribution starts at just €155 per week (after the second week). This inclusive package covers Spanish language classes, comfortable accommodation in fully equipped guesthouse apartments, a dedicated program donation, personal welcome service, airport pick-up, bus transfer, bus fare, and a free transfer to your placement location.

This is included:

• Airport welcome service & transfer to your placement location
• Fully equipped Accommodation in Las Terrenas or Samana depending where you will be placed
• Free WiFi & access to washing machine
• Free regular Spanish lessons throughout your placement
• Placement introduction, certificate & student credit
• Full support and 24/7 backup from local staff
• Information about adventure packages & in-country travel

Special Offer

Enjoy free Spanish language classes for volunteers and interns, emphasizing practical communication skills. Develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities naturally, similar to learning one's mother tongue. From day one, you'll use Spanish in real-life situations with role-plays, situational dialogues, and work projects complementing the basic syllabus. Beyond the classroom, immerse yourself in the Spanish language and Dominican culture for a continuous learning experience.

Program Highlights

• Immerse in the vibrant Dominican lifestyle, embracing the rhythm of Caribbean music
• Master Spanish fluency through free classes and embrace daily life with locals.
• Fuel your passion for learning and boost your career with international experience.
• Create unforgettable memories with weekend excursions alongside fellow participants.
• Relish the stunning beaches of Samana, conquer Pico Duarte's peaks, and explore Santo Domingo's historical colonial town.

What makes the Dominican Republic and Samana unique?

Samana, a captivating peninsula in the northeastern part of the Dominican Republic, boasts breathtaking beauty. With its lush coconut trees extending into the sea, it feels like a secluded island. The town of Samana is a picturesque and tranquil port, where friendly locals engage in tourism, agriculture, and fishing, all accompanied by the lively rhythms of Merengue, Bachata, and Salsa music. A two-kilometer-long Malecon (seaside promenade) offers delightful strolls day and night, leading to a variety of charming restaurants and bars, perfect for relaxing evenings. Surrounding the peninsula, you'll find hundreds of fantastic beaches, ready to be explored on day trips or weekend getaways. Embrace the Dominican lifestyle, enjoying the soothing rhythm of Caribbean music in this idyllic destination!

Contact Information

Project/charity name: Fundación Aldeas de Paz

Address: Samana, Dominican Republic

Whatsapp: +1 829 285 9450

E-Mail: mail@peacevillages.org

Webpage: https://www.peacevillages.org/dental-healthcare/

Facebook: https://www.facebook/AldeasdePaz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AldeasDePaz

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AldeasDePaz

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Peacevillages