1,000 Smiles Project

  Jamaica

Ocho Rios

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: September 25 - October 12, October 16 - November 2, November 6 - November 23

Description: This project is the planet's largest humanitarian dental project. Our volunteer Dental Professionals and Civilians provide access to dental care and education to Jamaican children and their communities. Started in 2002, this amazing project is a dynamic collaboration between Great Shape! Inc., Sandals Resorts International, and the Jamaican Ministry of Health. Nearly 200 dental volunteers from all over the USA, Canada and beyond come together each year for several weeks of bliss: to offer their care, education, expertise, time and love to those children in need in rural Jamaica. These areas have only one dentist for every 80,000 people!

Highlights: We serve about 15,000 Jamaicans each year at a cost of only USD10 each. However, we understand accessible and sustainable dental care for all Jamaicans will not be realized unless Jamaicans are trained and supported to care for their own.

We have several elements in our project to achieve that goal:

1. Provide equipment and supplies to existing Ministry of Health clinics and staff.
2. Offer in-field training and sharing of ideas and expertise.
3. In partnership with US universities, offer scholarships to select individuals to become dentists and hygienists, who will return to Jamaica to provide care for their own communities.

Cost in US$: USD 600

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18 and up

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Jamaica Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Great Shape! Inc.'s Mission Statement: An international partnership dedicated to empowering Jamaican children in need.

Year Founded: 1988