The program
This volunteer program makes a huge difference to the lives of those in need of dental care. Those who are studying, or have completed, a relevant degree can work alongside local staff to provide much needed dental care for the people of La Ceiba.
Dental students will be able to observe dentists and provide assistance with cleanings, check-ups, extractions, and restorative care. Hygienists will be able to provide cleanings for children along with oral hygiene instruction. Pre-dental students will be able to shadow the dentists, help manage the patients, assist with record keeping and charting and help maintain instruments
In order to enable proper interaction with both staff and patients at the hospital, it is essential that volunteers have at least an intermediate level of Spanish - a prerequisite for participation on this program. A language immersion option is also available and volunteers on this program are able to customize their schedule to combine a half day in the dental clinic and a half day of Spanish instruction.This is a great way for volunteers to improve the health of those who need it and improve their Spanish language skills.
Volunteers contribute in a number of ways on the program and can expect to undertake the following tasks, dependent on skills and training:
A volunteer’s work day on this project will generally last between 4 and 6 hours and while we ask all volunteers to be flexible in this regard, a typical daily schedule is likely to go something like this:
7:00am Breakfast at the accommodation
7:30am Catch a public bus or take a taxi to the project site in La Ceiba
8:45am Pre-start meeting with project supervisor
9:00am VOLUNTEERING DUTIES START
A tea break and lunch break will be fitted in during the day, but often the timing of breaks will change based on the needs of the local staff and number of volunteers on hand.
2:00pm VOLUNTEERING DUTIES END
2:15pm Debrief with project supervisor
2:30pm Bus back to the accommodation in El Porvenir
Evenings Volunteers are free to explore the local area, laze on the white sandy beaches or relax with the other volunteers.
Volunteers fly into San Pedro Sula and catch a connecting local flight or bus to La Ceiba. Volunteers will be picked up at the La Ceiba domestic airport or from the local bus depot. Note that volunteers should try to arrive in-country mid-day so that they can easily travel to La Ceiba by early evening.
After being collected by the local team's driver, volunteers will be brought directly to the volunteer house to meet the Project Manager and settle into the accommodations. The following morning an orientation is held and the itinerary presented. This includes a walking tour of El Porvenir and covers details of the social and health issues and educational needs of the community. Your project manager will also address safety and health issues, organizational rules and “do’s and don’ts” of living and working comfortably in Honduras. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers and ask any last questions you may have.
Participants on our programs in Honduras are accommodated in one of two comfortable and secure Volunteer Houses in the seaside town of El Porvenir, just 20 minutes west of La Ceiba.
The Volunteer Houses provide a home-away-from-home with full kitchen facilities, western-style bathrooms with hot showers, drinking water provided, comfortable rooms and communal areas for relaxing with other volunteers. Wifi is available for a small fee so keeping in touch with friends and family is easy. Both houses are conveniently located in the 'El Centro' area, within easy walking distance of the beach and local markets.
The Volunteer Houses in El Porvenir are well set up for self-catering with volunteers purchasing ingredients from nearby local markets to prepare meals in the fully equipped kitchen or eating out at inexpensive local restaurants on the beachfront. What better way to enjoy authentic Honduran dishes in a great setting!
Conversational Spanish tutoring is available in the evenings. Just chat to the local team to arrange this.
Dental interns are transported daily from the volunteer accommodation to their placement site in central La Ceiba. They then catch the public bus back to the accommodation, stopping right outside the volunteer house. EASY!
Dental Clinic Assistant
Support a understaffed public clinic and help those who are unable to afford dental treatment. Carry out cleaning duties and educate locals about oral hygiene.
$367/week
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