In the News

The Villager (p. 8)* August 2023

“It reminds me why I chose dentistry as a profession; when I volunteer I get to do what I love, which is making a big difference in the life of a person, and particularly a child. Children bring hope to us. – Dr. Atousa Safavi.”

Seaside Rotary, June 2023

“Global Dental Relief comes to the Riviera Maya twice annually to provide dental consultations, cleaning, procedures and education for children with neither access to nor funds to pay for regular dental care.”

GDA Member’s Family Mission Trip Sparks Son’s Passion for Dentistry (p. 14-15)*, May 2023

“At three separate points during a child’s visit they are taught proper brusing techniques, how cavities are formed, and which foods promote positive oral health. Each child was sent home with a brighter smile, and a toothbrush of their own—a first for many of them.”

Journal of Colorado Dental Association, April 2023

“Dr. Vanicek attributes the special bonds that volunteers form on these trips as one of the reasons that people return again and again to volunteer on GDR trips.”

Dentaltown, March 2023

“According to the Keipers, the very best part of doing this trip were the kids and the ability to be immersed in their daily life.”

Association of Women Dentists, The Chronicle, February 2023

“GDR has a focus on prevention and long-term outcomes rather than just doing emergency care,” said Kate, “and I appreciate being able to include my staff members in the trip.”read more here >>

The Happier Dentist Podcast, May 2021

“This profession lends itself perfectly to volunteering”

Dental Abstracts, May 2021

“I've always wanted to give back and GDR gave me that chance. I remember after the trip, I looked down at my hands and felt a sense of fulfillment... read more here >>

Dentaltown, May 2020

“Over the course of the week, Jennifer and her team provided dental care to 795 children in need.”

POWER Surges, March 2020

“I had made cash donations before, but had never really donated my time. It was really an awakening.”

Prime Time News, March 2020

“Volunteers can assist a dentist, teach oral hygiene instruction, manage patient flow, maintain master records and generally keep the room from falling in to complete chaos as hundreds of children file through the 7 chair dental clinic.”

Outlook – The British Columbia Dental Hygiene Association, November 2019

“GDR’s model of care is unique – they are committed to serving the same school every 1.5 to 2 years to ensure that children have a healthy, beautiful smile when they embark on adulthood.”

9News.com, September 2019

“We realized in order for us to make a difference, we needed to commit to these communities. 19 years later, we provide dental care to 25,000 children a year.”

Fox 31/Channel 2, August 2019

“I think one of the things that shocked me the most was that some communities would walk up to eight hours one way to receive [dental care] and knowing it’s that valuable to them.”