During the first two years of undergraduate studies, I volunteered on a dental mission in India, where the team I worked with had a mobile clinic that would provide services to local villages. It was during this experience that I realized the impact I could have on the lives of others through my profession.
The small cargo trailer we traveled in was the pride and joy of the team it transported. Alongside the passionate team of dentists, hygienists and community volunteers was equipment that had been donated and installed into the trailer. we drove on pavement, gravel and dirt roads an hour at a time, visiting about three villages along the way. To my surprise, people had been waiting in line for hours in the hot sun, just to be seen. It so happened that the last time they had seen a dentist was a little over five years ago.
The team worked as a well oiled machine in not only performing inspections, cleanings, and extractions, they also spent an incredible amount of time and effort to educate families about the importance of oral hygiene.
Throughout the four years of dental school, I would reflect back on this experience, and how I can implement the passion, resilience and love that was at the soul of their mission.