Hi! My name is Julie. I’d like to share my experience from my Dentaid Uganda trip. I got involved in volunteering for Dentaid because I wanted to remind myself why I went into dental nursing in the first place. Over time, I felt like the focus of my work had shifted too much toward paperwork and was less about the patients. When Sarah from Dentaid told me about their overseas trips, I knew it was something I had to do. I had already been volunteering with Dentaid in the UK, so I jumped at the opportunity to take my skills abroad. After sorting out the paperwork and getting some references together, I was ready to go on my first international trip. The idea of stepping out of my comfort zone, especially after the challenges of the COVID pandemic, gave me a renewed sense of purpose.
Preparing for the Trip
My advice to any dental nurses thinking about doing these trips is: just do it. Don’t worry about filling out forms or providing paperwork – Dentaid will help you with all that.
The trip costs £3,250 in total, including a £300 deposit. You can get sponsorship by doing fun activities, and Dentaid will help by providing things like money tins, balloons, and t-shirts. You can ask for donations from friends, family, and even from work for dental supplies like toothbrushes. We were given a list of things to try and source as a group. A local business kindly donated toothbrushes, floss, and interdental brushes. Another business supplied stock, face shields, masks, and gloves, for which I am extremely grateful. A local group that my mum belongs to also donated toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone
I think the pandemic gave me the push to do things outside my comfort zone. I wanted to start doing things that challenged me again, things I enjoyed. I started with ziplining, abseiling, and indoor skydiving. I’m still planning to do a tandem skydive, which I had planned to do when I reached a significant birthday, but which got postponed because of the weather. But I WILL do it! I feel, given the right circumstances, I CAN do anything! I know the pandemic was terrible, but I had to turn that negative into a positive for ME.
The Team and First Impressions
We met at Heathrow Airport and travelled together as a team. Our team consisted of our leader, Gail, who had a wealth of knowledge, so I felt wewere in good hands. We also had Sarah with us, who has done nine trips overseas. The other volunteers were Heather (a dentist), Paul (a dentist), Alistair (a dentist), Natalija (a dental therapist), Lavina, Darcey, Jude, Jo, Julia, and me. Every one of them was lovely, and I felt so looked-after! I think the reason everybody worked so well together was that we had four team members who had been on overseas trips before. They brought out the best in everyone. I’ve now even become a cuddle convert – that’s for sure!
Arriving in Uganda
On the plane, I had a lovely cuddle from a smiling toddler whose family was also travelling to Entebbe. Once we arrived, we spent our first night bonding and getting to know each other. It was amazing how quickly we all connected. The next day, we spent time sorting out the donation suitcases for our volunteer days. Everybody was accountable for a suitcase, so if someone needed something, we knew exactly where it was. We had lunch at Lake Victoria, enjoying the beautiful views, before travelling to The Rock Health Centre, where we set up for the clinic the next day.
The Clinics and Meeting David
One of the most memorable parts of my trip was meeting a little boy called David, who I now have a big soft spot for in my heart. He kept wanting cuddles and to play, along with his sister Davinia. Clinics were held at The Rock Health Centre, St. Luke's Church, Gulu Remand Home, Adek Centre, Oberabic Health Centre II, and St Philips, before ending back at The Rock Health Centre.
Everyone got a chance to work with different people and in different settings. I even got to give a tooth-brushing technique demonstration using a large set of teeth (a hand puppet and a large toothbrush) on stage in front of a hall packed full of children, alongside our team leader Gail. That was a lovely experience and one I will always remember.
The Patients' Resilience
What tugged at my heartstrings the most were the patients who travelled hours to get to nearly every clinic. They waited possibly hours to be seen and were so brave. You would never have realised how they were feeling—they never showed any emotion regarding the treatment (very stoic). That upset me at times, as I didn’t know how to react since patients in my practice in the UK are very vocal.
Reflecting on My Purpose
Undertaking this trip helped remind me why I went into dental nursing many moons ago! I feel so grateful to be able to help so many people. In total, we treated 1,349 patients over nine days of clinics and provided oral health education for many more, ranging from ages 0 to 103. This volunteering trip to Uganda definitely heightened every one of my senses in every aspect. I guess it reminds you how little you really need in the world, and where others have so little, it makes you feel humble. I feel like a little part of me came back with a BIG part of Uganda.
Downtime and Memorable Moments
Oh, I almost forgot! We did have some downtime. We visited the rhinos at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and went on safari, where we saw giraffes, elephants, and many other animals. We also went to Murchison Falls via a boat trip and saw the falls up close. It was magical.
Looking Ahead
I said to Gail before I went that I would get addicted and want to do it again – and I did, and I will! My next adventure is Cambodia in March 2025. I have butterflies in my belly and am so excited already. Dentaid truly makes you do things outside your comfort zone, but for all the right reasons. I am 1000% pleased to have been and to be part of it!
Written by Julie Andrews
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