Volunteer in a Mobile Dental Clinic in Nepal

  Nepal

• Kathmandu: 
Kathmandu

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks and 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: April 18-May 7th, 2010; May 01-21. 2010; Sept 26-Oct 16th, 2010; Nov 05-25, 2010

Description: Begin your journey in bustling Kathmandu, where we set-up a mobile dental clinic to provide first-time care to children in need. Volunteers work for one week in the clinic. Assisted by local Nepali teenagers from orphanages and charity schools, you will spend the week treating children from around the Kathmandu valley. You don't have to be a dentist to volunteer! We accept 5 to 7 non-dental volunteers on each project to run the clinic, manage patient lines, teach toothbrush instruction, and assist the dentist.

Days off from the clinic are spent visiting the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley and taking in the local Tibetan and Nepali culture. Swept up in the ebb and flow of daily life, many volunteers find themselves up at dawn observing Tibetans circumambulating Boudhnath Stupa. Others journey over to Thamel, the touristy part of town - where there are many shopping deals to be had!

Sightseeing (optional)

After a rich and fulfilling week working in Kathmandu, volunteers board what is said to be the most exciting and adrenaline-provoking flight on earth - to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest trail. The next week is spent trekking through delightful Sherpa villages and soaking up the vibrant colors, sites and sounds of village life. This trekking journey takes you to Khumjung at 13,500 ft where you will see amazing views of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam and surrounding peaks.

Highlights:
* Improving the oral health of hundreds of Nepali children
* Trekking along the Everest trail
* Seeing unparalleled views of Mt. Everest and Ama Dablam.
* Taking your teenage Nepali assistants out for pizza and ice cream!

Qualifications: We accept Dentists, Hygienists, Dental Assistants and Non-medical volunteers on our projects. On a given project we accept 4-5 dentists, up to 3 hygienists and 6-8 non-medical volunteers. With this size staff we can provide complete care to 500-600 kids in one week. Workweeks are long but immensely rewarding.

There is an application packet for potential volunteers to complete. There are a variety of questions about your past experiences, skills and expectations around volunteering. Not hard to complete! We do not require any specialized credentials for non-medical volunteers. The most important quality a volunteer can have is flexibility and a willingness to serve the community.

Cost in US$: 2250.00 USD

The fee includes:
* 2 meals per day during the clinic and all meals during trek around the Everest Region, other days, breakfast only
* 2-star hotels (except while trekking / Tea Lodge Accommodation)
* Flights within Nepal, transfers, & sightseeing in Nepal.
* We are happy to help you arrange your international airfare to the project site and / or direct you to a travel agent that assist you.

Options to itinerary:
You can come and volunteer in the clinic only, without sightseeing or airfare to or within Nepal. The cost for participation in the clinic only is 790 USD per person (tax-deductible) based on double occupancy (call for single room rate).

The fee includes:
* 2 meals per day
* 2-star hotels in Kathmandu for 9 nights/10 days
* Daily transportation to/from the clinic site.
* Transfers to/from the airport and hotel in Kathmandu.

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 14 to 85 years old

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

Participants Travel to Nepal Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 12 to 14 people

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Global Dental Expeditions's Mission Statement: Global Dental Expeditions brings free dental care to impoverished children of Nepal, northern India, Vietnam and Guatemala in partnership with local organizations. Volunteer dentists, hygienists, assistants and non-medical volunteers deliver treatment and preventive care in dental clinics that serve children in schools, orphanages and remote villages.

Year Founded: 2002