Who can volunteer?
Global Dental Relief welcomes volunteers of all ages, occupations, nationalities and backgrounds! Anyone with a love for children, a spirit of adventure and a passion to make a difference in the world is welcome on GDR projects.
You do not have to be a dentist to volunteer!
What is the typical group size?
Group sizes vary depending on clinic location. In general, group sizes range from 16 to 18 volunteers. Small Adventure trips feature smaller teams of up to 10 volunteers.
Each clinic is also staffed with two experienced GDR Trip Leaders. A typical group includes five to seven licensed dentists, one to two licensed dental hygienists and roughly 10 general volunteers. General volunteers can be dental assistants, dental students or individuals with no medical background at all!
I would like to travel with my friends/family/coworkers. Is that an option?
Absolutely! GDR hosts a variety of groups on our projects each year. Keep in mind that our projects are limited in size and availability.
Contact our office directly if you are interested in joining as a large (10+) group.
Is there a minimum age requirement?
The minimum age to volunteer is 14. For families with youth under the age of 14, please call our office and speak with one of our Country Coordinators directly.
It is important to remember that GDR clinics are fast-paced and require a fair amount of physical activity. Often times, children under the age of 14 have a hard time adjusting to the field conditions (no AC, hot/humid climates, long workdays, etc.) found at GDR project locations.
If a volunteer is under the age of 18, they must be accompanied by a legal guardian or adult chaperone.
What skills do I need to volunteer?
We require our clinical volunteers to be fully licensed. We follow all guidelines set forth by the ADA® (American Dental Association) in terms of licensure.
General volunteers are trained on-site during the project briefing.
GDR does not require previous volunteer experience. The most important skills needed are an open mind and a willingness to be a team player and work hard! All volunteers are trained in Global Dental Relief’s model of care at the beginning of each project and supported throughout the entire experience.
How far in advance do I need to sign up?
Global Dental Relief projects often fill up six to eight months in advance. We encourage our volunteers to register and submit a deposit as early as possible! For folks who are interested in a specific clinic but need time to make arrangements, we are happy to save your place for up to two weeks.
Last minute openings do occur — contact our office directly to find out if there is an opening on a specific trip.
Can I fundraise money for my trip?
Yes! Many Global Dental Relief volunteers successfully fundraise all or a portion of their program fees. Volunteers interested in fundraising can refer to our Guide to Volunteer Fundraising packet for tips and support.
Additionally, we provide a personal payment link for all volunteers to make fundraising easy and user friendly for those who wish to contribute!
Once you have registered for a project, your Country Coordinator will work with you directly to put together a fundraising or payment plan that is right for you.
Global Dental Relief will provide a letter for all donations over $25 to be used as a tax deduction.
Any fundraising done using third party platforms (GoFundMe, Facebook, etc.) are not eligible for tax deductible receipts from Global Dental Relief.
Are my expenses tax-deductible?
GDR is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the United States. This allows a portion of your project fee and airfare to be tax deductible. At the conclusion of your project, our office provides a tax letter to each volunteer. Your tax adviser will be able to help you determine the appropriate percentage.
