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Volunteering

Volunteering

Curious about what is happening in the dental profession beyond U.S. borders or interested in volunteering overseas? Learn more about volunteer opportunities and programs.

Volunteer Website

If you are a dentist or other dental professional interested in volunteering overseas, visit the ADA International Volunteer website. Designed to serve as your starting point the website provides information about selecting a program and location, how to prepare for your trip, what to expect upon your return home, and also allows you to search over 100 organizations that offer international volunteer opportunities to dental professionals. Search for a volunteer program by site location, program type, religious affiliation, etc.

Health Volunteers Overseas

Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO) is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the availability and quality of health care in developing countries through the training and education of local health care providers. By emphasizing teaching, HVO aims to empower local health workers, building an ongoing capability that will benefit the population long after volunteers depart.

The Oral Health Programs of HVO are sponsored by the American Dental Association and all volunteers must be members of the ADA or the Canadian Dental Association. Dentists are solicited to volunteer at sites around the world. Assignments range from one to four weeks. Volunteers are responsible for all expenses incurred, though some program sites offer housing. Please visit the HVO website for more information on countries and programs where the ADA and HVO are conducting oral health programs.

For more information on these programs, contact Barbara Edwards, Project Associate at HVO, at 202-296-0928 or b.edwards@hvousa.org.

Disaster Assistance

If you would like to be contacted when the services of dental professionals are needed in the aftermath of an international disaster, please complete the ADA Disaster Response Volunteer Inventory. The International Disaster Assistance Volunteer Inventory is a short survey for ADA members who are interested in providing volunteer services in the aftermath of an international natural disaster. Those who complete the survey will be notified of ADA international disaster response initiatives and opportunities.

Stories from Volunteers

Volunteering offers opportunities for new experiences and makes a positive contribution to communities around the world most in need of your expertise. However it's not something to enter into lightly. It takes a strong committment and a great deal of personal sacrifice. Read first-hand experiences from some ADA members who have volunteered overseas.