About 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.Dental students and faculty members stay in Chichicastenango, Guatemala for approximately one week. Here, they work in a fully operational dental clinic and provide dental care to local residents who typically do not have access to care, and provide oral health care education to children in the community. Throughout the experience, students have many experiences to learn about Guatemalan culture and explore the area. Guatemala 2017 Guatemala 2018 Travel Information & FAQ - Prior to the trip, students will need an eligible US passport and GeoBlue insurance through UofM. Students are also recommended to visit their PCP to receive recommended immunizations and medications prior to travel.- The travel time to Chichicastenango, Guatemala is approximately 14 hours. This travel consists of a 7-10 hour flight from Detroit, Michigan to Guatemala City, Guatemala typically with a layover and then a 2-3 hour shuttle ride to Chichicastenango, Guatemala. Who composes this team? The team consists of a group of approximately five D3 dental students and two dental faculty members. What are the travel dates? Travel dates vary year to year but it is usually about a 1 week trip during the break between winter and spring/summer semesters. What are the accommodations like? The group stays at Monte Flor, a local missionary campus just outside of the city. Each student will share ___ room and ___ bathroom/shower with _____. What is the food like? The cooks at Monte Flor make breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day and there are options that can accommodate most dietary restrictions. What are the additional activities on the trip? This trip is heavily clinic focused however, students have the option to participate in any of the following activities (these may vary year to year) - visiting the local market district - exploring Lake Atitlan - hiking - enjoying the warm weather Do you need to know Spanish? Students do not necessarily need to speak Spanish. There are a lot of helpers and translators available, and throughout the trip, students learn a bit of Spanish to communicate. More Information
