Smile Ecuador Dental Program

Program Description

Our dental program combines in-class learning with practical volunteer work in dental clinics. The duration of the program is one month. Students will spend their 4 weeks in the program rotating through various dental clinics in Quito (4 hours per day, Monday – Friday), depending on their interests. Additionally, students receive 40 hours of Spanish language instruction throughout the month. These lessons will have a dental vocabulary focus in order to assist students with necessary terminology for the clinical placement. Spanish lessons will be arranged to accommodate clinical volunteer placements.

The clinics have experienced dentists who enjoy sharing their knowledge with students. Most clinics have experience in teaching students. Students will be able to observe and assist in clinics that work in the following areas:

• General dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Extractions
• Prophylaxis
• Dental surgery
• Extractions
• Cavity treatments
• Maxillofacial surgery
• Implants
• Oral rehabilitation
• Implants and prosthesis

Homestays 

While participating in the program, students will have a unique cultural experience by staying with an Ecuadorian family.  Participating families are chosen for their friendliness and helpfulness. They all have experience with hosting foreign students, and live in a very safe residential neighbourhood in the North of Quito. Living with an Ecuadorian family gives the volunteer an opportunity to learn about the culture, customs, and food of the country, while at the same practicing their Spanish.  Each student will have their own private room, shared bathroom, 2 meals per day (breakfast and dinner Monday to Saturday), and laundry service once a week. Our rural homestays will be more rustic and not have the commodities of Quito.  Showers will be cold and services will be basic.  However, it can be an excellent learning experience as a volunteer will experience living with less.

Program Costs

The cost per month is $1,800.00 (Canadian) and includes the following:

Airport pick-up upon arrival

Welcome dinner for participants.

Welcome orientation session on Monday at 8.30am including a short trip to the downtown area, and teaching students how to take the trolle and buses.

Coordination of clinical placement

Coordination of the dental system conference in Quito and conferences on culture and history.

One-day Quito tours can tours can be arranged with a teacher for free (1 per week).

Coordination of 40 hours of Spanish classes

Organization of extra activities: salsa classes, cooking classes, music, cocktail, tours, cultural activities, and museum visits. This allows the students to learn more about local culture, history and language.

Organization of the homestay (private room), two meals per day (breakfast and dinner, Monday-Saturday), and weekly laundry services.

24/7 in-country support.

Travel insurance with StudentGuard Travel Insurance for the duration of the program.

The cost does NOT include:

· Daily local transportation around Quito during your free time. Assistance will be provided to participants on how to use local transportation.

· Air ticket to Quito, Ecuador

· Any weekend trips will be at the student’s expense.

· Any personal expenses, such as drinks, luxury foods not provided by the family, international telephone calls, or any other costs which are not included above.

· Airport drop at the end of the program

For more information, please see our website: www.sustainablevolunteerecuador.com