Program Reviews

What an amazing volunteer experience! You stay in the Karen Hills outside Nairobi and work out of a stationary dental clinic. As a non-dental person I was struck by how much they needed me in the clinic! I assisted a dentist (with no prior training), I also taught toothbrush instruction and administered fluoride varnish to the kids.

The experience not only filled my heart, but brought to light the impact that I as a non-dental person can have in these kids lives. I learned that dental care is a powerful way to make an immediate difference in the lives of these children. I thought that I was going to help kids, but I realized that I got so much more out of the volunteer experience. I can't wait to go back again!

There is nothing like traveling and volunteering together. Get immersed in the real Kenya! You will grow as a person and love the people as you work a week in a clinic in Kikuyu. The clinics are always very organized with great trip leaders who can help you in any way. This clinic is in an inside dental clinic that runs regularly. After you will travel to an AMAZING resort on Masai Mara! We saw lions, zebras, cheetahs, etc!

This was my first trip as a volunteer dentist. My dad has been on multiple trips around the world volunteering and several with GDR. A fantastic experience I shared as a dentist with my father and my daughter. Extremely organized. The impact of the program is evident as I saw many children who had been treated previously by GDR dentists and as a result have an improved dental health future. I would love to volunteer again anywhere in the world with GDR...very inspired!!

I am a pre-dental undergraduate student and I took the GDR trip to Nairobi, Kenya last summer, after the completion of my freshman year. I went to see what the field work of this profession entailed but I also went to explore a new country! It was such an amazing experience for me, and really solidified my resolve for wanting to enter this profession. I was able to take part in everything from fluoride and sterilization to chair side assisting. There was not a moment where I felt bored or underworked as a volunteer. The people I met on the journey were fantastic, and the process of arranging everything was handled professionally and promptly by GDR. My favorite memory was on the last day of the clinic, where some children wrote me thank you notes and gave me a huge hug, because our treatment has improved their quality of life so drastically. I still have those notes today, and I plan on keeping them forever. Hopefully, I will go on a trip with GDR again in the near future.

GDR is a well-run organization that enables and empowers its volunteers to deliver high-quality care. I was impressed by the organized, attentive, and fun trip leaders and the wonderful local staff from GDR’s parter organizations. As a non-medical volunteer supporting a dentist, I felt that I made an important contribution, and was never sitting idle. The trip leaders do a great job making sure everyone is comfortable in their roles, and will often rotate people if they want to try different stations (e.g. fluoride, records, hygiene).

GDR also does a great job balancing time in the clinic with opportunities to explore Angkor Wat and experience Cambodian culture. Optional activities included temple visits at sunrise and sunset, meals at terrific restaurants, a stunning acrobatics performance, and evening strolls through food and craft markets. I highly recommend this program.

I can't rave enough about my experience. I most assisted as I was a senior dental student. Accommodations were quite nice. The trip was well organized. Food was delicious. Clinic was great to work in. Shopping & sightseeing were amazing as well. Highly recommend this organization.

This trip had a huge impact on me spiritually and socially. I truly connected with the culture of Ladakh and had culture shock when I got back to the US! It was such an amazing experience to see how the kids we served benefitted from us being there. I am so proud to have been a part of this and work with such a great organization. I pray to do so again in the future :)

From the minute I landed to the minute I left the country GDR provided a great experience. The program has a good balance of work and fun. On clinic days we worked from 7 or 8 am until 3 or 4 pm. And we worked hard! But we had off days to enjoy the local culture and could participate in organized tours and activities if we wanted. The goal of the program is to help with the dental needs of Cambodian children, but the secondary result is that participants learn about the culture and people of a great country. The program is designed to allow independent time as well - not every minute was planned and I appreciated that.

I would recommend the program to young and old participants.

Despite its location, Kathmandu weather is similar to home. The clinic is located in a school within walking distance of the guesthouse. These kids have been seen for years and we're now doing sealants as well as restorations and extractions. The history here is fabulous with opportunities to explore ancient cities. Afterward, one can either walk part of the trail to Mt. Everest or go to another town to the west for another clinic and stay in luxury tents overnight.

Leh reminds me of New Mexico one hundred years ago. Irrigation is a must for agriculture, everything is at altitude, homes are adobe, people are gracious, and days are hot with cool evenings. This program has been in effect long enough that we are seeing returning kids with perfect teeth. Most gratifying. I like this location the best with my off time spent in the market, drinking tea with the shopkeepers, and watching life go by. There is an option to see the Taj Mahal later.