Volunteer Honduras: The program itself was very hands on, we had our own patients every day and provided varying treatments, including fillings, extractions and cleanings. The dentists were very helpful and accommodating in the clinic.
1.-How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?
– very helpful, provided lifts to the hospital and gave a tour of the city
2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
At the program: How different it was from practicing at home in Ireland. Mostly extractions with limited instruments and lighting.
At the accommodation: having to use a fan to stay cool as I come from quite a cold country so the heat took some taking used to.
Food was very nice but very different from what I’d have at home
3- What was most difficult to experience?
Providing care for patients with a different standard of need than in Ireland
The heat at night, having to use transport I.e. Taxis to the hospital daily
4- Any tips for future volunteers…
Clothing: Surgical scrubs, and very light clothing for after clinical work
Donations: gloves, masks, safety goggles, gauze very useful
Weather: Stay hydrated
5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial), don’t leave blank:
Volunteered in La Ceiba Honduras in July 2017 for one week. We undertook the dental program.
Was picked up from the bus station and brought to the accommodation.
The house was very comfortable and very secure good sized bedroom, and 3 good meals a day.
The program itself was very hands on, we had our own patients every day and provided varying treatments, including fillings, extractions and cleanings. The dentists were very helpful and accommodating in the clinic.
The accommodation was near fast food outlets, supermarkets and a shopping centre.
There was an array of options on how to spend the weekend, I went to the island Roatan which was very nice. I would definitely recommend this program
Volunteer Honduras
6- How would you describe your accommodation, meals and security:
Always felt safe and well looked after
7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
Program: clinical liberty we were given and assistance from the other dentists
Country: trip to Roatan at the weekend,
8.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?
Communication (Phone/emails/Online chat): Answered all questions we asked
Website Information: Very useful
9 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes
Volunteer Honduras La Ceiba Review Liam Costello Dental Student Program from A Broader View on Vimeo.