Intern in dentistry in Peru, where your clinical observation supports dental healthcare for low-income families with limited access to oral health services. Your contribution helps dental clinics that serve high patient volumes with limited resources and staffing.
Your dentistry internship is primarily observational, allowing you to shadow dentists and dental staff throughout their daily practice. You will observe routine dental procedures including extractions, fillings, crowns, and preventative dentistry treatments. Depending on your qualifications and by showing initiative and enthusiasm, you may be asked to support local staff with their clinical duties.
The experience extends beyond clinical observation, as previous interns have participated in running dental health workshops in local communities, providing preventative education and oral health promotion to underserved populations.
For dental students and professionals interested in global health or working with underserved populations, this program provides valuable experience that develops both clinical skills and cultural understanding while supporting oral health for local Peruvians.
Dentistry interns should have basic Spanish skills to interact with patients and dental staff. Being able to understand patient concerns and follow dental procedures in Spanish improves your learning experience.
Wear appropriate clinical attire including closed-toe shoes and modest clothing suitable for dental environments. Scrubs will be provided when necessary.
All dentistry interns participate through observation regardless of experience level. You must be comfortable witnessing dental procedures including extractions, blood, and patient discomfort. Students with dental education or related certifications may have additional opportunities to assist based on their background.
Submit your resume highlighting any dental education, certifications, or relevant experience before arrival. Academic transcripts and professional credentials must be provided for placement purposes.
Successful interns demonstrate patience and adaptability when working in resource-limited dental settings. You should be respectful of local practices and willing to learn from different approaches to dental care.
Working as a dentistry intern in Peru, your responsibilities will depend on your level of training, certifications, and licensing. All partner dental clinics seek to utilize volunteers’ skills when possible while creating comprehensive learning environments that maximize your professional development and patient care contribution.
Since dentistry internships are primarily observational, the focus is on learning through direct observation of dental procedures and patient interactions. Depending on your qualifications and experience, daily responsibilities include:
The full package contains donation to the orphanage or shelter, and Nativos services, i.e., 20 hours Spanish group lessons, airport pickup and full support during the stay, homestay with 2 meals per day, and extra activities.
First week: $480
Each following week: $210
All medical clinics are placed in the city of Cusco about 20 minutes by bus from your host family. Your local coordinator will provide you with all directions on the day of your arrival in Cusco. She will accompany you the first day to your project to ensure you arrive accordingly.
Volunteers need to speak at least intermediate Spanish when working at the medical clinic. Most doctors and nurses in Cusco do not speak any English. We recommend volunteers participate in the Spanish language group class offered in Cusco. Medical education is required.
Hands-on experience during the Healthcare Project in Peru depends on the volunteer’s engagement, their knowledge of the Spanish language, and their experience in the medical field.
Volunteers work approximately 4 hours per day at the medical clinic. If there is an unforeseen surgery and you are interested in observing, you may stay longer.
Yes, you can come any time of a year.
It is important to respect that in Peru the workflow may vary from the one that you are used to in your home country. Volunteers within the healthcare project need to have an open mind to experience a new culture