Smiles for Guatemala: Volunteer Dental Mission

Hello, my name is Mariah Maldonado. I am writing with excitement as I have just discovered a wonderful opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of children abroad.

Global Dental Relief is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to bring free dental care to children in need around the globe. Volunteer dentists, hygienists, assistants, and general volunteers deliver treatment and preventive dental care to children in schools, orphanages and remote villages. With a vision to transfer lives and cultivate community through volunteerism, they provide opportunities for diverse groups of volunteers to explore the world and bring free dental care and oral hygiene education to thousands of impoverished children in Nepal, India, Guatemala, Kenya and Cambodia.

All Global Dental programs are run solely by volunteer contributions, and therefore each program has a fee. The fee to attend the Guatemala clinic from August 2-11, 2024, covering meals, lodging, international airfare and in-country transportation totals $3,000.

I am volunteering in Guatemala because I find immense fulfillment in providing oral health care to those in need. Additionally, as a fourth-time dental school applicant, I believe that volunteering in a third-world country will greatly enhance my dental school application. I am eager for this journey, excited to gain new experiences and create lasting memories with both children and adults. Moreover, this opportunity will enable me to forge connections within the dental community, fostering personal growth and nurturing my passion for dentistry.

To turn this aspiration into reality, I'm counting on your support! By contributing to this cause, you'll be glad to know that every donation made to my GoFundMe page will cover all the expenses required for this trip.

I deeply value your support and eagerly anticipate sharing this remarkable experience with you when I return.

Thank you in advance for your generosity.