FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Answers to the most commonly asked questions about our
Volunteer Service Projects

Is this project right for me?

Global Dental Expeditions is committed to provide volunteers with accurate information on all of our volunteer projects.  What do we ask of you? – flexibility, patience, a spirit of adventure and a sense of humor.  Your volunteer project is much more than an alternative to a standard vacation.

Global Dental Expeditions strives to include opportunities for individuals of all skills and backgrounds.  The most important skill you can bring as a volunteer is an open mind and willingness to serve.

In making your decision to volunteer on one of our dental projects, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Am I willing to offer my skills and interests to a community requesting help?
  • Can I accept direction and instruction from Global Dental Expedition
    program leaders and from local leaders?
  • Can I work as a team member and place the interest of the team ahead of my
    personal interests?
  • Do I enjoy learning about new cultures and unfamiliar lifestyles? Am I able to
    acclimate to unfamiliar settings and unknown circumstances?
  • Can I work in difficult circumstances and settings, which may, at times lack the          equipment and / or supplies to provide care according to the standards set forth in       the United States?

How do I apply and how much does it cost?

Project fees are specific to each country and range from $790 - $4000.  Please see the itinerary for each project for specific costs and options.  Itineraries are found on the WHERE WE WORK page of this website under each country listing.

To apply for a project, a non-refundable deposit of $500 along with a completed application, personal data form, health and emergency contact form, release and discharge agreement and overseas travel protection form is required.  You will be notified within one week of your application being received in our office whether your application has been accepted. 

In case we are not able to accept your application, the deposit will be refunded to you in full.  The balance of your service project fee is due 70 days prior to departure, or immediately if you apply within 70 days of the project departure date. 

What is included in the fee?

  • Food: Most meals are provided during your volunteer period. While traveling enroute to the host country and during leisure time in the host country, breakfast is included in the program fee. Please see your detailed itinerary which denotes meals included by (B/L/D).
  • Accommodations: Volunteers stay in culturally appropriate hotels, guest houses or camping (accommodation type is listed in the detailed itinerary of your service project). Lodging is generally double occupancy. Single rooms are available at some sites for an additional cost.  Please let us know if you would like to apply for a single room.
  • Ground Transportation: Transportation between the scheduled airport of arrival/departure, accommodations and the service program site within the country are provided.
  • Team Leader: Teams are led by experienced North American staff who are fully trained and possess strong management skills, cultural sensitivity and commitment to our philosophy of service. Local translators, guides and organization staff may also assist the team.
  • Program Coordination:  Project start-up, site visits, orientation materials, volunteer preparation, international airfare from a designated gateway city and host communications are included.
  • Airfare:  Your international airfare is included in most Project Fees and is from the gateway city listed in the program itinerary. Most commonly used gateway cities are: Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and Houston. 

What is not covered in the project fee:

Domestic airfare to the designated US gateway city, visa fees, free-time expenses, beverages, Medical Insurance and Trip Interruption and Cancellation Insurance. Our office will be happy to assist you in applying for your visa and obtaining the necessary insurance.  Domestic airfare reservations to the designated US gateway city should be made directly by you or your travel agent.

Please carefully read the Booking Terms and Conditions on your Volunteer Application Form to learn more about: Expenses Covered, Participation and Requirements and Global Dental Expeditions responsibility.

Is my fee tax deductible?

Global Dental Expeditions is a registered 501 (c )3 organization. This allows a portion of your program fee to be tax deductible (please refer to your specific program to obtain the exact percent of program fee that is tax deductible).

When should I apply?

Many projects fill early, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Early enrollment allows you extra time for visa processing and preparation for your trip. It also allows you to finalize your travel arrangements earlier and perhaps more affordably. 

What if I need to cancel?

You may cancel at any time. However, we ask that you not apply unless you are confident in your choice of both program and dates.  It is important for you to know that cancellations and transfers are costly to Global Dental Expeditions because we make arrangements for your service program as soon as you apply.

Therefore, the deposit is non-refundable, and although it may be applied to another program, a $100 change fee is required. Consequently, if you cancel or transfer, you may apply $400 of the $500 non-refundable deposit one time to another Global Dental Expeditions service project scheduled within 12 months of the original arrival date, subject to space availability.

Please carefully read the cancellation / refund policy listed in the booking terms and conditions on your volunteer service application.  If you cancel your service program for any reason, you must notify Global Dental Expeditions in writing.

What vaccinations do I need for this trip?

There are no vaccinations required for travel to any of the areas where we work. However, the CDC (Center for Disease Control) does recommend certain vaccinations for your safety. Once we receive your application, we will send you a complete list of the vaccinations recommended by the CDC for the country in which you will be volunteering.  It is your responsibility to make an appointment with your local travel doctor or travel clinic for advice and to obtain recommended vaccinations for your project. 

How big is a group?

Our average group size ranges from 8 to 16 volunteers with two Trip Leaders. 

Travel alone or with your family

You may choose to travel alone or bring a family member along on your volunteer service project.  Family members are welcome to volunteer on all of our dental projects. There are a variety of positions that family members can fill – we only ask that they be as enthusiastic about volunteering as you are!  Restrictions do apply for children younger than 15 years of age.

Do I need to know the local language

It is not necessary to speak the local language in order to volunteer in one of our service programs.  Basic language instruction in the form of simple phrases is written and posted by each dental station. Translators will also be provided when necessary. If you do speak the local language, please indicate that on your application.

What about health / medical and trip interruption and cancellation insurance?

Health/Medical Insurance along with Trip Interruption, Cancellation and Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance are mandatory for your service project.  The average cost of such insurance is approximately $75-200 per person. 

Once your application is received in our office we will send you information and an application for this insurance.  We work with The Travelers Insurance Company to provide this insurance.  However, you may select to choose coverage with another travel insurance company.

We hope this answered some of your basic questions.  For more information please email volunteer@globaldentalrelief.org or call us at 303.858.8857.

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