At Global Dental Relief, our mission is to bring free dental care to children around the globe, in Nepal, India, Guatemala, Mexico, Kenya, Cambodia and Kentucky. 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.

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.

Join us today — volunteers serving children in need around the world!

Click the video below to learn more and see footage from our global dental clinics!

Watch Our Welcome Video
Guidestar Gold Transparency 2021
Dentist and Pediatric Patient
Wolfgang Pfannenstiel

What Volunteers Say

After my first dental volunteer trip I was sure to do this continuously no matter what! This is helping kids in need effectively. This is having enjoyable conversations with new friends. This is creating unforgettable memories. So in my specific case the letters GDR stand for the German Dentist Returns :)”

- Wolfgang Pfannenstiel, Dentist, Germany

Darshani Khosla

What Volunteers Say

Global Dental Relief makes sure children are receiving continuous care and that clinics are run efficiently and with the highest ethical standards. They take care of every detail on your service trip — I plan to volunteer with them for years to come!

- Darshani Khosla, Dentist, Texas

Carol Lim

What Partners Say

Thank you Global Dental Relief! Nothing compares to the efforts and impact of your volunteer overseas programs, working hard to bring healthy smiles to children.

- Carol Lim, Vice President of Business Development, Cranberry U.S.A

TJ Gabriels

What Volunteers Say

I plan my whole year around these opportunities to volunteer abroad. I love travel with a purpose, being more than a tourist and making a small, positive mark in the world. This organization has allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and has really helped broaden my world view.

- TJ Gabriels, Lawyer and General Volunteer, New York

Michael Pasoff

What Volunteers Say

As a dentist, I have treated and cared for many patients, however, nothing can compare to the sense of fulfilment when volunteering your time and skill to ease the pain and suffering of others. It never ceases to amaze me what can be accomplished when surrounded by dedicated, caring and talented volunteers, such as those I met in past international dental clinics with GDR.

- Michael Pasoff, Dentist, Montreal, Canada

Nour Shehadeh

What Volunteers Say

I am honored and grateful to help these amazing children, meet incredible people, explore their culture and change children’s lives for the better. I look forward to many service trips with GDR in the future.

- Nour Shehadeh, Dental Hygienist, Illinois

Peggy Lamm

What Volunteers Say

If you want to literally change lives, this is a great way to do that. Our work with Global Dental Relief produced more real good than all the other cumulative good works I’ve helped with through the rest of my life.

- Peggy Lamm, CEO Colorado Mesa University Foundation and General Volunteer, Colorado

Our Impact by the Numbers

Children
239,365
Children Served With Complete Dental Care
Volunteers
3,984
Volunteers Worldwide
Lunches
304,300
Nutritionally Boosted Lunches Served
Donated
$50.6 million
Donated Dental Care
Costperchild
$26
Average Cost Per Child
HealthPro
36,427
Children Given Preventative Care Through Oral Health Program

Why Dental Care?

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.

Our Model of Care

GDR works with local schools to bring children to clinic class by class. 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.

Partners & Sponsors