Volunteering your time and talents to help those less fortunate than yourself is a wonderful way to spend your free time – and no group of people is needed more in the volunteer world than dentists. Whether you're just a dental student, a newly graduated dentist, a long-time practicing dentist, or even a retired dentist, there are always ways you can help improve the teeth – and the lives – of those near you who need your help the most. So if you're wondering about what dental volunteers are and what they can do for their communities, then here's what you need to know.
Find A Local Organization
While you could just set out an ad in the paper for your services, it's probably both easier and more effective to find out when an organization (such as Missions of Mercy or Give Kids A Smile) is holding a dental care event and sign up to help out. Organizations like those mentioned above work hard to provide dental care to those who aren't able to have it regularly. Contact your community centers for information on any organizations that may be coming to your town within the next few months – and if there aren't any, consider contacting a group like those above to get the ball rolling.
Go Overseas
Of course, the people who need dental care don't just live in your community – they're all over the world. Organizations like Health Volunteers Overseas are dedicated to shipping out professionals like yourself to provide dental care to people in many different countries and continents. If you have the money and time (like if you're retired, for example), you could be a perfect fit for one of these groups who seek to improve the dental health of the world, not just their little city.
You Don't Have to Lift A Finger
If you're nervous that you're out of practice – or that you haven't practiced enough – and don't feel up to the task of cleaning teeth, repairing fillings, or extracting teeth, don't worry. You can help out by educating different groups in your community about the importance of good dental care.
Speaking at preschools or elementary schools about dental hygiene can help those kids to grow up with a firm grasp on both tooth health and their toothbrush, preventing them from suffering through cavities later. You can also volunteer your time by speaking at middle and high school job fairs about the importance of the dental profession. Who knows – you might just light a fire in a student to help make others' lives better by becoming a dentist.
To learn more, contact a company like Family & Cosmetic Dentistry.
Share3 August 2016
I have always brushed and flossed my teeth daily, but I still had the occasional cavity when I visited the dentist for a check-up. He told me it was normal to have a cavity on occasion and that I shouldn't let it stress me out too much. Well, I am not one to just accept any problem I am having, so I started looking into how to improve my oral hygiene even more. I had always thought mouthwash was just to improve your breath, but I found some that said they helped keep cavities away. I started using one every day before bed. I haven't had a cavity in two years now, and I think the mouth rinse is the reason! I created this blog to remind other people that even if they brush and floss regularly, they can always find ways to take even better care of their teeth.
