Chogoria, Kenya

Date: Flexible: Clinics are typically held May – June

Cost: Project Cost: $3,395 (based on double occupancy); Clinic-Only Itinerary: $1,650 (based on double occupancy)

Estimated Airfare: $1,300 – $1,800

Medical Setting: Permanent dental clinic set up in Chogoria PCEA Hospital.

Difficulty: Basic accommodations and inconsistent access to AC, hot water, and internet connection. Basic variety of food options.

Accommodations: Basic guest house in a village at the base of Mt. Kenya.

Cultural Experience: Volunteers enjoy daily cultural immersion as well as a visit to a Giraffe Sanctuary and Safari.

About Global Dental Relief:

Global Dental Relief’s mission is to bring free dental care to children around the globe, in Nepal, Guatemala, Mexico, Kenya, and Cambodia. Teams of volunteer dentists, hygienists, assistants and general volunteers deliver treatment and preventive care in dental clinics that serve children in schools and remote villages. Each child receives an exam, all necessary dental care, oral health instruction, a fluoride treatment and a new toothbrush. Once dental health is restored, children return to the clinic every two years to ensure a childhood of healthy smiles.

Global Dental Relief programs extend this reach by delivering toothbrushes and oral health education in schools between clinics and by providing critical nutrition to children in high-need situations.

Why Dental Care for Kids?

Many children globally live without access to dental care. Small cavities grow into serious decay and infection. Children in pain are unable to sleep, eat properly or pay attention in school. GDR volunteers restore children to bright smiles and an ability to thrive.

About the Medical Setting:

Working in partnership with local nonprofits, volunteers work in a community room or classroom converted into a temporary dental clinic. Children aged 6-18 are brought in class by class from surrounding schools. Volunteers work in the clinic for five days, performing exams, amalgam and composite restorations, and extractions as needed. Forming 4 dental stations, clinicians work alongside an assistant who carries out normal chairside duties, including charting as well as instrument and suction support. Some assistants may be highly trained, and some may be relatively new to the role.

Global Dental Relief provides portable dental units and all the instruments and supplies necessary to perform restorations, extractions, sealants and preventive care. This includes scrubs and disposable items like gloves, masks, gauze, etc.

We treat primary teeth only in cases of abscess by doing an extraction. We do not fill primary teeth, instead devoting our limited time and resources to saving permanent teeth. Generally, global dental volunteers make a treatment plan for two quadrants and do 20-30 minutes of work per child. Children can return for a second or third visit to finish their treatment. The clinic leader is there to guide and support you and answer any questions you might have.

There is no X-ray in the clinic. If an X-ray is required to complete treatment, the child can be sent to a nearby hospital. Availability of this option varies depending on location.

Program Includes:

Three-star hotel accommodation in Nairobi; guesthouse accommodation during the clinic; semi permanent luxury tented camp during safari
Three meals a day while working in the clinic and all meals during the safari; other days, breakfast only
Translation and support from local staff
Round trip flight from Nairobi to Masai Mara
All transportation within Kenya including airport transfers
Sightseeing as listed in the project itinerary
Celebratory farewell dinner
Signature GDR T-shirt and water bottle
Return Volunteer Discount on all future projects
Two designated trip leaders
A volunteer coordinator in the GDR office to assist and prepare you for the trip

About the Country:

Kenya, located on the eastern coast of Africa, is a country known for its vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and wildlife, including iconic national parks like the Maasai Mara. It holds a rich history, with over 40 ethnic groups contributing to the nation’s cultural tapestry. The official languages are English and Swahili, but Kenya is multilingual, with over 60 indigenous languages spoken.

From bustling urban centers like Nairobi to rural villages, Kenya is a land of contrast, where modernity and tradition coexist. Despite its economic growth in recent years, many areas in rural regions face challenges related to healthcare, education, and infrastructure, highlighting the need for support in public health. For many families, dental care is economically out of reach, and only becomes a priority during a dental emergency.