Sonrie Ecuador- Dental Program in Quito, Ecuador

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Winter 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Every month, throughout the year

Description: The "Sonrie Ecuador Clinics" provide dental care and promote oral health in Quito and its surrounding neighborhoods. The clinics have been operating for over twelve years and continually strive to better the services offered to their patients give attention to the dental health. In general, the main dental problem seen by Ecuadorian dentists is cavities. Ecuadorians are considered to be concerned about their dental health, although adequate oral hygiene is not, in reality, reported amongst the majority of the population.   

This program will provide a rich and diverse experience for pre-dentistry and dentistry students, allowing them to view local oral health   practitioners providing close to world class care in a developing country while at the same time improving their cultural competency and broadening their public health knowledge. Ecuadorian dental professionals who work in a country are interesting and thought provoking as they give context to the real challenges of providing the best possible dental care to the different socioeconomic classes of Ecuador.

The program intends to build and strengthen the skills of participants through an exchange of information, ideas, and practical knowledge for those involved in oral health. This unique program provides an opportunity for those interested in or already involved in the dental field. The principal component of the program is the clinical placement. Students will be able to actively participate in a variety of dental procedures, and at the same time gain valuable knowledge and language skills through Spanish classes. This incredible cultural experience, combined with an Ecuadorian family home-stay, will also leave participants with invaluable life skills that will stay with them forever. Participants will have an opportunity to observe and engage in the delivery of dental care in Ecuador, while providing the chance to develop one's personal motivations and desired criteria for community service experiences.

Highlights: Our programs in Quito are among the most popular programs, as they allow students to experience one of the most exciting cities in South America. Many students take advantage of the variety of museums, historical sites, eye-opening weekend trips, and other attractions in and around the lively city of Quito during the evenings and weekends.

Programs Include:

    * Clinical and Public Health Rotations
    * Academic Credit Assistance
    * Language Training Component
    * Accommodations
      
Clinical and Public Health Rotations:
CFHI's rotations are designed to offer you clinical and observational experiences relevant to your level of medical education. The program includes the following educational aspects:

    * Orientation upon arrival, including cultural adjustment exercises
    * Weekly meetings with Medical Director and Local Coordinator
    * Clinical rotations Monday-Friday
    * Information sessions that highlight the health care system in that country, common cases you will encounter and other site-specific information
    * Post-trip debrief materials & other on-going alumni activities/services

Qualifications: This program is open to those who possess:

* Minimal Spanish
* Conversant Spanish
* Fluent Spanish

This program is open to participants who are 21 or over at the time of participation. We accept students of all nationalities with interest in international health and relevant educational background. Participants may be any of the following:

* Senior Level Pre-dentistry and pre-medical students
* Dentistry students
* Medical Residents, MD & DO
* Medical Students
* Post-bacc pre-medical & pre-densitry students
* Gap year pre-dentistry and pre-medical students

Please note that the program can also accommodate Dental Hygienist students. If you do not fit into one of these categories, please contact us to see if you would be eligible to apply.

Minimum Education: Bachelors

Cost in US$: Approx. 2,000 for 4 weeks

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 21 and over

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Scholarships are Available. Please Visit our CFHI website.

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Child Family Health International's Mission Statement: Child Family Health International (CFHI) is a nonprofit that builds and strengthens sustainable healthcare services for underserved communities worldwide. CFHI conducts global health service-learning programs for medical, pre-medical, nursing, PA, MPH, and other health science students. CFHI supports local communities worldwide through these global health education programs, medical supply donations, as well as other community initiatives to advance quality healthcare for all.

Year Founded: 1993