EDSA - European Dental Student Association » EDSA Volunteer Work

2The EDSA volunteer working group is dedicated to making a difference where it matters the most. Through volunteer programmes we are broadening the horizons and skill-set of European dental students and giving something back to the millions around the world in need of care.

Through initiatives such as the Amchi Programme we are committed to making a sustainable difference. We aim to deliver culturally sensitive, region specific healthcare solutions: Initiatives which are self sustainable and rooted in education and training, empowering local healthcare providers to make a positive change for their own society and population.

Our initiatives are in partnership with international centres of educational excellence such as our satellite centre Manipal University (http://www.manipal.edu) and world renowned NGO’s such as Wisdomtooth (http://www.wisdomtooth.org). These initiatives are entirely student led and organised, with supervision kindly donated by experienced dentists for the practical aspects of our missions.

Our 2012 outreach project has grown into the Amchi Programme which will return to the Himalayas in summer 2014. We will continue our important work of training local nuns in basic dental care, delivering preventative care and direct treatment to these remote, isolated communities where access to healthcare is limited.

Our aim is not only a sustained improvement in the oral health of the communities in which we train, educate and treat, but to help students realise how much they can do with their qualifications once finished studying… Every one of us can make a real difference.

All you have to do is take a chance and get involved!

Volunteer Work Officer EDSA 2013-2014, Olivia Johnson King
King’s College London University
4th year dental undergraduate at Guy’s, King’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals
Official EDSA delegate for the United Kingdom
European Team Leader for the Amchi Programme

http://www.edsaweb.org/projects/volunteer-work/