Global Dental Relief: Public Health Dentistry with Kids in Kenya

This was my first trip out of the US and it was definitely one to remember. Traveling with GDR was so well planned and had a great balance of tourism and volunteering. The food, tourism activities and people we met were all so amazing. The children were also such a refreshing group of kids, who truly warmed my heart. I enjoyed myself throughly and can’t wait to go on another trip with this organization!

This was our first trip with GDR. Our trip leaders, Katy and Peter were amazing. They were very organized and kept us informed. I felt safe with them and trusted their guidance. I've been on many mission trips. This was my first dental trip. I had some apprehension about assisting a dentist. The dentists and staff were great teachers and helped me ease into the position. I was deeply moved by the students we served. The need in Kenya is great and we were able to serve hundreds of students. The safari was a dream come true. I live on a farm with lots of wildlife. To see African wildlife in their native habitat was more than I imagined. GDR is doing marvelous work and I intend to join another trip.

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!

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.

Baroness Karen von Blixen's Kikuyu have their own village and it is here that the health clinic in which you'll work is located. Nairobi is higher in altitude and drier than the coast, making for pleasant working conditions. The assistants are well trained and the local doc's gracious. You'll have opportunities to see Karen's home and movie location, elephants, and more on days off. After, there is a safari option. I chose, instead, to go to Mombasa and GDR made the arrangements for me. Consider also tacking on a trip up Kilimanjaro, just over the border in Tanzania.