JOB DESCRIPTION – VOLUNTEER POSITIONS OVERSEAS

Volunteers manage the line of patients waiting for treatment, teach toothbrushing instruction and spend time making each child feel this is a special experience. Other duties may include preliminary charting, instrument sterilization and record keeping.

Oral hygiene education is emphasized throughout the clinics. Students each receive toothbrushes and personal tooth brushing instruction. This is followed up with classroom instruction and teacher supervision of oral hygiene.

Field clinics are held at schools adopted for long term care by the Himalayan Dental Relief Project. In these clinics, children are fully charted and care is provided to restore their permanent teeth. Long term, follow up care is provided on a 1-3 year basis. In remote locations, clinics usually include one day of adult care to provide relief for adults in pain.

Volunteers may have opportunities to assist chairside with a dentist or hygienist. This, however, is not a requirement, and most work is carried out at a distance from the dental chair for those less medically inclined.

Due to the variety of duties, dental clinic volunteer work can be quite rewarding and stimulating. It is essential to the success of field clinics and involves significant interaction with the local population. There are no prerequisites for this work except enthusiasm and a strong work ethic. Training in each of these duties is provided on-site at the clinic location.

Workdays run for 8 to 9 hours. Work is demanding due to the nature of the equipment, field working conditions and the long lines of patients in need of care. Work is also immensely rewarding as patients receive first time dental care that is otherwise physically and financially beyond reach.

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