Volunteering
Dental Project Peru has been running successful Volunteer Trips to the most remote mountain villages of the Peruvian Andes for 4 years now. With each passing trip and season we continue to learn and grow. We now offer volunteers a 14 day trip. The structure of the experience has evolved as we strive to provide volunteers with a safe, comfortable yet challenging and rewarding experience. Allow me to tell you more about it.
The program is a 14 day "All Inclusive" package (with the exception of some meals).
Day 1 - It begins with your arrival in Lima, Peru. Volunteers are met by our guide, Daniel, who will accompany you throughout your 14 day experience. He will take you to your hotel in Miraflores, Lima. After spending the evening getting to know Daniel and the other volunteer on the trip you will spend the night in Lima.
Day 2 - The following day you will fly together (with Daniel) up to Cusco. This is the most wonderful flight and may be your first sight of the Andes! Once arriving in Cusco, our guide will take you to the Volunteer House in Cusco which will be your home for your time there. The three of you will relax and get to know Cusco a little bit. This is the beginning of your acclimitisation. Because the altitude is an important factor when planning your trip to Peru, we have factored in an appropriate amount of time to acclimitise before you head for the higher altitudes in the Apurimac. These few days in Cusco are vital to the success and safety of your trip.
Day 3 – You will be taken on a wonderful trip to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here you will have the opportunity to visit some Incan ruins and local markets. The valley is a wonder in itself with its fertile floor and surrounding snow capped peaks. You will be accompanied by Daniel and enjoy the day at a leisurely pace with our own private vehicle.
Day 4 - After another comfortable night in the Volunteer House you will spend day 3 touring the historic city of Cusco and some of its surrounding Incan archeological sites. Again, all expenses for these days are covered (except meals) and Daniel will provide you with insight and entertainment throughout. Tonight you will pack and get ready for the beginning of the Dental Trip to the Apurimac!
Day 5 – Today you meet the rest of the team. Yesenia is the local dentist who manages all aspects of the Dental Trip. Leo is our driver, mechanic and all round helper on the trip! The truck will be packed up with all the dental equipment and the 5 of you will head of to the Apurimac! It is a beautiful drive on dirt roads through the impressive peaks of the Andes. The drive can last from 5 to 10 hours this first day depending on which villages you are scheduled to visit. All meals are included for the next 8 days.
Day 6-11 – For the next 6 days you will be providing a much needed and greatly appreciated service to the people of the most rural villages of the Andes. You will spend 2 days in each of 3 villages and will provide treatment for up to 800 patients! Working in Health Posts and Schools the project is able to provide restorative and extraction services. Also, we have an important education and prevention program as part of our mission. Patients will walk for hours, even days, to reach you. They will patiently wait their turn as you treat the waiting multitude. Children will come with their teachers and learn about Oral Hygiene as well as receive their treatment and new toothbrush. After working in these villages for 3 years, we have become these peoples’ dentist. You will play a key role in continuing this vital care and furthering the advancement of Oral Awareness in this otherwise forgotten region. During the 8 days in the Apurimac, the team will be made as comfortable as possible. But with limited resources, this does mean “roughing it” on occasion. All the food you will need (and more!) will be taken on the trip and prepared by the team. It is very important to take all necessary precautions to avoid any upset tummies!!!! This 8 days will be an experience of a lifetime. You will be living and working in an environment unexperienced by any foreign person other than previous DPP volunteers. You will see part of the world which few eyes have seen and even less have cared for. Your hands and skills will bring relief of pain and suffering directly to these patients and you will experience the gratitude and warmth they extend to you. This is not an easy way to “See Peru” – but I guarantee it is a unique, humbling and wonderful life experience.
Day 12 – The truck will be packed up for the last time and the team heads back to Cusco! The captivating scenery on this long drive provides the perfect backdrop for contemplation and reflection of the days gone by. Not to mention the laughs and jokes which will be enjoyed between the well bonded team. These will be friends for life! Once back in Cusco, the big clean up is undertaken (either today or tomorrow depending on team consensus). And then a well deserved long hot shower!!!! A good meal and a comfortable bed back in the Volunteer House is the icing on the cake!
Day 13 – This is your free day in Cusco. Relaxing, shopping, sightseeing…… Take your pick.
Day 14 – You will fly back to Lima today with Daniel. Once in Lima, if you have time before catching your international flight home, Daniel will show you some of the wonderful sights of the Capital. Then it will be goodbye and back home! (This day may change according to your preference of staying longer in Peru to explore Machu Picchu and other sites.)
There are 8 volunteer positions available annually. With 4 trips to the Apurimac and 2 volunteer spaces available to qualified dentists on each trip. We are now accepting applications for 2008. These are the confirmed Trip Dates:
Trip 1 - June 04 - June 17
Trip 2 - July 30 - August 12
Trip 3 - August 27 - September 09
Trip 4 - October 15 - October 28
