Volunteer in Malawi
We welcome applications from dentists, dental nurses, therapists, and hygienists who will volunteer in Malawi to provide emergency dental care and oral health programmes.
2025 and 2025 trips are now full. 2027 trips will launch in autumn 2025.
Key Information
- The fundraising required for this trip is £2,950 plus a £300 non-refundable deposit.
- Flights from London to Lilongwe, then travel by road to remote villages to provide outreach dental care in schools and clinics.
- All our volunteers should attend a training day ahead of their trip.
About our work in Malawi
There is a desperate need for dental care in Malawi – a country with fewer than 50 dentists for a population of 19 million people. Although Dentaid is working with Glasgow University’s dental school to supply equipment for a new dental training school in the capital Lilongwe that will train a new generation of dentists, many people in rural areas are suffering due to a lack of access to dental care.
Dentaid has supported a range of projects in Malawi that bring outreach dental care to remote communities. Teams of Dentaid volunteers work alongside Malawian dental professionals to provide emergency dental care and oral health programmes.
Working conditions in Malawi
Our team will work alongside local partners to run dental clinics for people of all ages. Sadly, many patients will require extractions, and several will have been suffering long-term dental pain and infections. The team will also run toothbrushing programmes and all team members will be asked to promote dental health.
These will be busy clinics and people will walk many miles to access treatment. Most days teams will see upwards of 120 people and we make sure we do our best to accommodate everyone who arrives.
Our teams fly to the capital of Malawi, Lilongwe. From there they will travel across the country for clinics, staying in basic hostel accommodation and lodges. Please note there are few home comforts and there is not always hot running water or flush toilets. Food is provided by local cooks and you will get the chance to eat in local restaurants at times. Road sections between towns can become difficult to traverse, especially during challenging weather conditions with large amounts of rain.
Once you reach the communities you’ll be helping, you can be assured of an incredible welcome. You will get the chance to experience the beautiful sights and surrounds of the country during your visit.
Our team leader Nick is a veteran of trips in Malawi and has plenty of experience in working with local groups. You can be assured that he will be able to answer any concerns you may have.
Preparing for your trip
All volunteers are asked to fundraise to cover the cost of their trip. The £2,950 we ask you to raise pays for your flight, accommodation, travel, dental supplies to provide free dental care for hundreds of people and food on working days. There is also a £300 non-refundable deposit required to secure your place. Please note your visa, sightseeing trips and any vaccinations you require are not included. Any extra funds support Dentaid’s ongoing work in Malawi as we will continue our work long after you have gone home.
Dentaid can give you lots of support and ideas and help you to set up an online fundraising page. We can also help you to publicise your volunteering trip in your practice and local community.
Before you travel you’ll be invited to a training day where you’ll meet your trip leader and other members of your team.
