Dental Clinic Assistant
Coordinator | Nicole
Coordinator | Nicole
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
Save lives and make a real difference to the people of La Ceiba
Directly assist dentists in their work
Network with local residents and local project staff.
Offer a teaching experience for dental students while also supplying a much-needed volunteer labour force to help those who need it most
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.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+
The program
This essential volunteer program was established with the aim to make a real difference to the lives of the impoverished people of La Ceiba by supplying dental services they would otherwise be unable to access. Unfortunately, the public health care system in Honduras is one of the worst in Latin America, resulting in hospitals that are under resourced and poorly equipped, and the large dental department within La Ceiba’s largest full-service public hospitals is no exception. Many are simply unable to afford treatment, resulting in treatable oral diseases being left untreated, worsening and resulting in infections and serious medical conditions. This program makes a real difference to the lives of the most vulnerable in society by providing free dental treatment, preventative care and education, changing the lives of the most vulnerable. Volunteers who are registered dental nurses or dental assistants, dental students or qualified dental care professionals are invited to take up placements in Honduras where their skills are desperately needed. This dental internship program places volunteers with a supervising dentist or dental nurse as they carry out their daily workload. Responsibilities vary according to their own qualifications, experience and/or comfort level.
How you can help
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:
- Directly assist dentists in their work
- Preparing and sterilize equipment
- Carry out cleaning and maintenance duties
- Visit public schools to educate children about oral hygiene
- Network with local residents and local project staff.
Typical day
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.
Free-time activities
Honduras is a beautiful country with amazing people and a rich culture and with the Caribbean Sea at its doorstep, and mountains with tropical waterfalls and cloud forests just to the South, the community of El Porvenir is a simply stunning place to visit. In their free time, volunteers are free to explore the local area, laze on the white sandy beaches or relax with other volunteers. Its like volunteering in paradise!
Swimming
Hiking
Sports
Yoga/
Meditation
Meditation
Requirements
In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
You need to speak English (basic level)
or Spanish (intermediate level)
required
dentist, hygienist, dental students at University level
Emergency Contact and Resume
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Naturally, all applicants must also have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude.
Note that Volunteers need to provide their own supplies where possible such as scrubs, gloves, hand sanitizer, and basic hand instruments.
Note that Volunteers need to provide their own supplies where possible such as scrubs, gloves, hand sanitizer, and basic hand instruments.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
from
09:00
- 14:00
What's Included
- Airport pick-up on arrival (from La Ceiba domestic airport or local bus depot)
- Orientation & full safety briefing
- Accommodation
- 24/7 local support network
- Project placement & onsite supervision
- Registration fee included
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.
- Program Arrival Day: SATURDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport, San Pedro Sula, Honduras (code: SAP)
- Pick up provided from La Ceiba Domestic Airport (code: LCE) or local bus depot.
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!
Good access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.
The nearest airport is Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport (SAP) in San Pedro Sula. We assist you to find cheap flights to Honduras.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Honduras provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Honduras you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Honduras.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
This project is available year-round and programs start every SATURDAY. Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
This program is paused due to COVID-19 and reopens January 2021. Apply Now!
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 - 12 weeks
Program fees
1 week
(min. stay)
$618
2 weeks
$708
3 weeks
$788
4 weeks
$868
6 weeks
$998
8 weeks
$1,138
10 weeks
$1,268
12 weeks
(max. stay)
$1,398
Average fees
$367
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
Love Volunteers
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Your final payment will be agreed with Love Volunteers during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
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- including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
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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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