Global Initiatives

The Kenya initiative started in 2010. The initiative offers dental students the opportunity to implement preventive/early intervention oral health programs in several local primary schools in rural Meru, Kenya and learn about Kenyan culture and history.

Breaks during dental school are usually spent recuperating after final exams and maybe taking a quick vacation to get away. However, thanks to a generous donation from the International College of Dentists, students Neil Thomas (D2), Claire Cho (D2), and Cassandra Wieckhorst (D3) were able to take an eye-opening trip to the Bauru School of Dentistry in Brazil.  

The GIOCH China initiative started in the Spring of 2018. This initiative offers dental students the opportunity to experience China's rich culture, learn about dental education and healthcare systems, provide oral health care education, and participate in community outreach to people living in rural areas around Shantou, China.

The Michigan-Ethiopia Research, Growth, and Education in Dentistry (MERGED) program was developed over three years by Sheri McCormack, Michael Sesi, Dr. Diane Chang, and Dr. David Brzezinski. Over this spring break 2017, their initial visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia took place. 

The Greece initiative started in 2016 and has since provided a platform for dental students to interact with their Greek counterparts, spark dialogue about access to care for patients with disabilities, and learn about the culture and history of Greece.

The Israel initiative started in the Spring of 2018. This initiative offers a unique opportunity for dental students to learn about Israel’s healthcare, research and dental education systems as well as its extraordinary culture and history.

University of Michigan Dental Students interact with and serve both children and adult patients from several regions in Jamaica. Students gain an understanding of the challenges associated with making health care accessible in developing nations. They learn to organize a suitable, safe, and compliant space for the delivery of basic dental services.

The Guatemala initiative started in the spring of 2016. This initiative offers dental students the opportunity to provide dental care, oral health care education, and community service to natives living in Chichicastenango, learn about the dental education system in Guatemala City, and immerse themselves in the Guatemalan culture.

Each spring, a team of dental students and two faculty members travel to Roatán, Honduras to implement preventive and restorative oral health care in a mobile dental bus and in a local clinic. Working in teams, students are able to provide care to both adults and children in the community and surrounding area during the one-week trip.