Volunteer in Uganda
2025 trips are now full.
2026 trips are now available
12/02/26 – 26/02/26
11/06/26 – 26/06/26
17/09/26 – 01/10/26
The fundraising required for this trip is £2,950 plus a £300 non-refundable deposit.
Teams of dentists, dental nurses, hygienists and therapists plus non-dental assistants.
Flights to Entebbe before travelling to remote communities
All our volunteers should attend a training day before their trip.
About our work in Uganda
Uganda is a beautiful country in east Africa where you can be assured of an incredible welcome. Dentaid supports an amazing team of Ugandan dental professionals all year round and our volunteering teams work alongside them to run outreach clinics in schools, churches, prisons, orphanages and remote communities.
No two trips are the same. The itinerary depends on the dental needs of local populations. Some teams take a boat across Lake Victoria to run clinics for island communities, other times we deliver care in the slum areas of large cities or return to projects that Dentaid has supported in the past.
These are busy trips with our teams treating up to 200 people a day. There’s often a long queue but people are happy to wait because this could be the only chance they have to see a dentist.
Working conditions in Uganda
Using our portable dental chairs and equipment, teams will set up dental clinics in classrooms, church halls, community buildings or even out in the open.
Dental treatments include extractions, simple fillings, scale and polish, and fluoride varnish application. The patients range from toddlers to people over 100 years old and some will walk many miles for treatment. Urgent cases can be referred for further treatment but most patients require simple procedures to alleviate dental pain and protect against future problems. On a typical trip our volunteers and Ugandan partners will treat more than 1500 people in two weeks of clinics.
Oral health education is at the heart of our work in Uganda. Sweet fizzy drinks are readily available but few people understand the damage they do to teeth. All team members are asked to promote oral health. Toothbrushing and dental health education is a part of each clinic.
Our teams fly to Entebbe near the capital Kampala and travel around Uganda by private bus. You’ll stay in local hotels and have the chance to eat in traditional restaurants and with the communities you visit.
Everyone is involved in setting up the clinics and clearing up at the end of the day. It’s a busy, tiring, unforgettable and hugely rewarding experience and many of our volunteers can’t wait to go back.
Gail Taylor is our Uganda trip leader and she runs 3 or 4 trips each year. On your days off you’ll have the opportunity to see the wildlife – including gorilla trekking or safaris – and visit some of Uganda’s amazing natural wonders. You will also be able to buy traditional gifts and visit local businesses.
Preparing for your trip
The fundraising required for this trip is £2,950 plus a £300 non-refundable deposit which pays for your flight, accommodation, travel, meals on working days and dental supplies we need to provide free care for thousands of people.
Any extra funds support our ongoing work in Uganda which continues all year round.
We can give you lots of support and advice with your fundraising. Please note your visa and vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately.
