- What did you enjoy the most from the dental brigades trip?
Coming to this trip, I was really excited to travel to Honduras and serve the community. Shadowing and assisting from 8am to 5pm every day, I enjoyed being part of a program that provides free dental care to rural communities who don’t have access to adequate healthcare. Although it was a lot of work, there’s no better feeling than serving the community and educating the Honduran people on oral hygiene.
- What did you learn on that trip?
Our GDB trip was definitely more hands-on than I thought. As a former dental assistant, I was able to utilize my skills during clinic days. On screening day, the Honduran dentists taught us how to diagnose a patient. This includes determining whether or not a patient needs a cleaning, filling, or extraction and in what position (mesial, buccal, lingual, distal, occlusal, etc.). Performing diagnosis on the patients will definitely help me in the future as a dentist.
- What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The most surprising thing I saw was the magnitude of unhealthy oral conditions the Honduran patients had. Unlike the United States, Honduras does not have adequate healthcare, so the patients were in desperate need of dental services. Also, we had the privilege of applying topical anesthetic on patients before procedures.
- What was it like spending time with the doctors and patients?
We had a great time with the doctors and patients. The doctors were really passionate in dentistry and they taught us many principles that would help us in the future. Also, patient interaction made the trip very memorable. Throughout our trip, we provided free dental services to them, but in return, we learned about their culture, stories, and conditions. We shared our laughter and joy with them and brightened their smiles.
- Favorite memory?
Spending time with a kid I met (Hosé). During the Charla, I was able to educate him on maintaining good oral hygiene and play with him throughout the trip.
- What is something you wish you could’ve changed?
I wish Global Dental Brigades could make more frequent trips back to Central America throughout the year. But being busy college students, it would be very difficult to do so.
- If you could, would you do it again? Would you recommend others to do dental brigades?
I would definitely go again! And I certainly would recommend this trip to other students! I learned so much about dentistry and served a very undeveloped community.
- What is something you would tell other pre-dental students or dental brigade members?
To pre-dents: If you’re free winter break, definitely attend the Global Dental Brigades trip! It’s way worth it and the experience is dramatically different from any dental volunteer trip in the US. To dental brigade members: All of you were AMAZING and I hope you guys can come on the trip again!
- Is there anything else you’d like to add?
This trip was a great learning experience especially for pre-dents! After GDB Honduras 2018, it dramatically boosted my passion for dentistry and taught me that I could make a difference no matter how big or small wherever I travel