Starting in December 2024, Dental Chapters will have the possibility of joining Greece and Belize with a Dental Brigade as a standalone program. Previously piloting a dental station or dental procedures, in these programs, countries have shown the great need for Dental care in many community members.
As Global Medical Brigades continues to work on healthcare sustainability in collaboration with partner communities, we are happy to announce an exciting development in our mission to provide holistic health solutions to underserved communities worldwide. We aim to address the urgent dental care needs in Greece and Belize while also empowering local communities with oral care education.
Dental Brigades in Greece will focus on providing attention to vulnerable populations, including, but not limited to, refugees and asylum seekers who often lack access to essential services like a dentist. Greece is typically referred to as one of the main gateway paths for many refugees, the lack of access to health care in general during their transit through the country can be also found when seeking dental care services. Through Dental Brigades, volunteers alongside a local dentist will provide much-needed dental services, including cleanings, fillings, extractions, and oral health education.
After starting Medical Brigades in Belize at the beginning of 2024, community members have shown an immense need and interest in dental care. As we continue to collaborate with partners and take in the needs that are expressed, Dental Brigades will continue to work with rural communities where access to a dentist is limited as a standalone program. With a holistic approach, we aim to not only provide dental services during Brigades; but also seek to implement preventive measures through education and community empowerment.
The expansion of Dental Brigades as a standalone program (instead of including a Dental station in Medical Brigades) to Greece and Belize supports Global Medical Brigades commitment to making a global impact in healthcare. Volunteers will get the opportunity to work directly with a local dentist, addressing specific dental conditions and interacting with community people based on their cultural context, while also obtaining significant dentistry experience.
Whether you are a dental student, a seasoned professional, or someone looking to make a meaningful impact, you can be of help. Would you like to work with rural communities in Belize to prevent dental diseases, or with vulnerable populations in Greece to improve their dental healthcare? Establish a Dental Chapter in your school!
