Global Dental Relief

This was my fifth trip with GDR, all in different locations.
All the trips have been very well organised and their program is really well thought out, focusing on lifelong dental health with lots of prevention as well as dealing with treatment need.
Dental equipment and support is vastly superior to other organisations I’ve volunteered with.
I have met lots of wonderful people, both volunteers from all around the world and local helpers who give an insight into the way of life which you don’t get as a tourist.
GDR are also very helpful with sightseeing and trekking extensions to their trips.

I have gone on two trips with Global Dental Relief. One to Guatemala and one to Cambodia. Both trips were rewarding in that I was able to be a part of an amazing team that brought much needed health care services to people. Even as a person with no dental experience, I was able to pitch in and I learned so much about dentistry along the way. These trips really help you feel part of the local community, not like just an outsider stopping by. Every part of the time spent there is thoughtfully planned from how meals are sourced to the excursions you can choose to join. And those experiences were so memorable. From tasting coffee beans right off the bush, making chocolate from cacao, and seeing street art made from sand and flower petals to hearing volcanoes grumble below me while I slept— Guatemala is so beautiful. Or walking alongside elephants in the forest, visiting ancient temples at sunrise and sunset, shopping local markets and learning to cook traditional cuisine from locals, even boating to a floating village, and exploring the colorful shops and diverse restaurants in Siem Reap—Cambodia is a treasure. I cannot wait to book my next volunteer trip. With a good friend I made on my first trip who went with me on the second one and hopefully will Jin me on many more. I love being able to make a difference and explore new places at the same time and Global Dental Relief is a great way to do both.

Volunteering in Nepal was an incredible experience to say the least. I love giving back and making a difference, so to be able to use my skills and expertise as a dental hygienist to help so many in need of dental care was truly heartwarming. We even built long-term friendships with the student volunteers at SMD and they still keep in touch with us, which is more than I could have ever expected from this trip. This was my first GDR trip and I could not have been more impressed with the organization. Mark and Victoria were amazing to work with and ensured everything ran smoothly in the clinic. They also made sure we enjoyed our time outside the clinic with plenty of recommendations of places to see, to eat, to shop, you name it. This was truly a life changing experience and I know I will definitely be back again.

Honestly speaking, before going to Nepal, I wasn’t expecting the impact that it would actually make on me. I’ve got way more than just memories from Nepal, I’ve made friends for life. I had such an amazing experience with GDR, they are truly doing something special and it changed my life...no joke. If I was to rate my experience it would be a solid 12/10, and I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes travelling, or volunteering or is just looking for an adventure, I promise you, you will leave with so much more than what you came with. The clinics were so much fun and Mark and Victoria have such a positive vibe that reflects onto everyone. Their love and passion for what they do reflects in their work and effort and especially the smiles of the kids we treated. The sightseeing was absolutely incredible. I wouldn’t have been able to do all and see all that we did if I travelled alone and I love to travel! The food, the culture, the people, the music, the excursions, the SHOPPING! This was an amazing way of travelling and I have a feeling that it’s the first of many adventures! I don’t even have enough words to explain how I feel and the gratitude I have towards GDR. Thank you, GDR and especially Mark and Victoria for being such amazing hosts and the amazing energy and stories and wisdoms you guys shared with all of us! All I can really say is that I can’t wait till my next trip! Ps I’m brining friends! :)

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!