Gap Medics: Pre-dentistry programs

After deciding I wanted to start a career in medicine I undertook several work experience placements in England. But after this I was unsure whether this was really the career for me. A friend told me about gap medics and I looked into all of their placements. I saw there was a trip to Tanzania and immediately decided that I wanted to go as it sounded like a once in a lifetime experience and from the minuted I arrived at the airport I was right. The staff were so friendly and funny, they really make the trip the great experience that is. At the hospital you see much more interesting cases than you would see in England but at the same time the doctors/mentors teach you so much and make it such a freak experience for everyone involved. Every night there are activities to take part in which can be really rewarding such as going to the local orphanage or even just fun like playing football against the local university team. Finally you will make life long friends when you go there! Your only there for two weeks but you do everything together every day that you are there and the experiences you share will never forget! If you are really interested in a career in medicine or even if you just want to experience something amazing this is a trip I certainly recommend, it is a once in a lifetime experience!!!

I spent two weeks at the Gap Medics house in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in August of 2014. Some staff met a group of us at the airport and took us back to the house. They were all friendly and helpful throughout my stay, which really made the experience great.

The Gap Medics house was just fantastic in my opinion. Small apartments and the larger house surround the gardens (with cosy seating areas), a large sheltered outdoor eating area, and the swimming pool. The staff are always available to answer any questions you may have, or help you with something. My only criticism of the service at the house is the food. Although, the cooks were lovely and friendly ladies, the food just was not to my liking - too oily! But I think most people liked the food so it could have just been me. With that said, it doesn't cost much to eat out at a restaurant in central Chiang Mai but you will have to get a group of people to share the taxi bill to get there and back. I did this a lot, with a few other people.

I have mostly praises for the experience I gained at the dental clinic and hospital. The dentist and dental nurses were all friendly and happily allowed you to observe all the procedures. At the clinic, another student and I got to assist the dentist with moisture control during some procedures.The only drawback being that the staff at the dental clinic speak very limited English, so you really have to be observant and note things done and perhaps look it up in a book later or on the internet! But the experience is still very useful.

The best experience was at the dental department of the hospital in Chiang Mai. The three dentists spoke English very well, so were able to explain what they were doing during procedures. They prepared a few activities for us as well. We got to remove the carious region of an extracted tooth using an air turbine handpiece with bur tip and do an amalgam filling; carve a wax model of an incisor to the correct dimensions and morphology; practise suturing; and practise the 'surgeon's knot' to improve manual dexterity.

I would recommend going on the Hill Tribe trip on the weekend. Just amazing!! Riding elephants through the jungle and white water rafting. You get to know everyone on the trip a lot more too. I really loved getting to know so many people from around the globe and exploring the city in my free time. It's a fantastic experience.