As Cambodia’s most popular tourist destination, Siem Reap offers a fascinating blend of traditional and modern life. During your work with Global Dental Relief (GDR), you will have many opportunities to experience the unique splendor and culture of Cambodia.

During the time spent in Cambodia, volunteers stay at the Shinta Mani Resort, a boutique hotel that is run by the Shinta Mani Foundation (SMF). Founded to improve the economy and reduce poverty, this nonprofit organization provides free hospitality training to help underprivileged Khmer develop employment-ready skills and experience. The Shinta Mani Foundation improves the lives of villagers by installing wells, providing homes and offering employment opportunities. And now in partnership with GDR, SMF is extending dental care to village children.

A few of the many sites you will see on sightseeing days during your trip include:

• Angkor Wat: One of the largest religious monuments ever built, this temple complex is believed by many to be the Eighth Wonder of the World. The five towers stand as symbols of Mount Meru’s five peaks, and the moat represents the world’s oceans.

• Ta Prohm: Ta Prohm was built in 1186 and over the centuries has been engulfed by the jungle. While other temple structures of the Angkor complex have had their jungle overgrowth removed, Ta Prohm remains largely as it was when it was discovered by French explorers in the 19th century.

• Kampong Khleang: There are three main floating villages in Siem Reap; of them, Kampong Khleang offers the most authentic experience. The village is comprised of several dozen wooden structures–homes, schools, clinics–floating on the river. During the dry season, the village rests on Tonle Lap Lake but will move along the river according to the time of year.

• Cambodian People: One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering overseas is the opportunity to connect with the local people and culture. Unlike a sightseeing tour, volunteering offers the chance to work side-by-side with the Khmer people and to learn about their way of life. Take the time to get to know your Khmer colleagues and to sit with the kids in the clinic. Our volunteers report that by far, the friendships they form with the local people is the most fulfilling part of the experience.

Learn more about exciting opportunities in Cambodia by reviewing the trip itinerary or contact our office today. We are excited to welcome you aboard our mission to provide much-needed dental care to the children of Siem Reap and offer you a life-changing experience.

The post 4 Reasons to Visit and Volunteer in Cambodia first appeared on Global Dental Relief.

Here are five ways to support GDR’s work without ever boarding a plane:

1.) Our clinics are held afloat by every single donation offered to our organization. In fact, every $20 donated provides one child the first dental care of their lives. GDR is able to leverage every dollar donated to maximize the amount of care we can provide in the field. Administration costs are less than 10% of our budget and our dedicated volunteers donate their time and talent, paying their own way to help kids in need. This means your donation goes directly to providing dental care to children.

2.) Do you have friends or family who are service-loving dental professionals or who would love our cause? You can shop at our Global Dental Relief store to find meaningful gifts for your loved ones. Whether it be a gift card, holiday card packs, a travel bag or a CD of lovely classical compositions, it will not only brighten the lives of those you care about, but every purchase helps children in need.

3.) If you are seeking to make an even greater difference in the lives of children around the world, you can become a sponsor. Our sponsors help us equip and operate clinics for thousands of children every year. You can sponsor dental care for all the children in a single school, in a clinic, in an entire country or even thousands of children in all five countries.

4.) At the end of our lives, we would all like to know that we have made an impact in the world. One way to do this is to leave what is called a charitable bequest in your will. To find out more, take a look at our Become a Legacy Partner webpage.

5.) And finally, if you happen to be a dental supplier, we are always in need of donated dental supplies to aid our clinics, whether it be toothbrushes, dental instruments, latex gloves, fluoride varnish, etc. For a full list of what we are looking for, check out our Donate Supplies page.

Thank you, from the children we serve, for your care and concern. Your generosity will help children around the world live happier, healthier lives. For more information on serving opportunities available, please email us at volunteer@globaldentalrelief.org.

The post Supporting the Children of GDR by Serving from Afar first appeared on Global Dental Relief.

What skills do I need?

Your most valuable assets are an open mind, a sense of humor, and the ability to work hard with other team members. You don’t need to have experience in the field of dentistry. Our volunteers come from all walks of life – students, teachers, business owners, retired professionals. Whether you have formal dental training or not, all volunteers are supported by Global Dental Relief staff from the beginning and are trained in the country.

What should I consider when it comes to cost and logistics?

Volunteers pay a project fee to Global Dental Relief for their experience. This covers supplies, transportation, hotels, most meals and any planned sightseeing included in the itinerary. The cost of the flight is separate. We can help you find airfare as needed.
The project fee depends on the country you visit and is published on the itineraries and cost page of our website. Many volunteers have put together fundraisers to cover some or all of the project fee. Others have found support from friends, family, and local businesses to help cover the cost. Our office is happy to assist you in brainstorming how to fundraise and to offer resources.

What is the Global Dental Relief experience?

It all started with a trip to Nepal in 2001. Since then, our organization has expanded to run 22 projects annually in five countries. In each country, we work with a local partner who acts as a community liaison and ensures we have a safe place to set up our clinic and work. Each project includes six days working in a portal dental clinic, with sightseeing and adventure built into the itinerary. Depending on the country you visit and the adventures you choose to experience, you’ll be abroad for anywhere from 8 to 21 days.

How do I sign up?

Getting signed up is easy. All it takes is a completed application with deposit. From the first time you contact us, you work directly with one of our country coordinators to ensure you are fully prepared for your journey.

Do you have any questions that we haven’t covered here? Feel free to visit our FAQs page, email us or call us at 308-858-8857. We’re happy to help.

The post Commonly Asked Questions About Volunteers on a GDR Clinic. first appeared on Global Dental Relief.