Sophie Godson Uganda
Volunteering with Dentaid was something I had long wanted to do—not just to contribute to a meaningful cause, but also to push myself beyond my usual limits. I was excited by the idea of meeting new people, learning about different cultures, and immersing myself in a completely different way of life. Giving back through charity work has always brought me a strong sense of fulfilment, and I knew this experience would challenge and inspire me in equal measure.
Raising the funds for the trip was a journey in itself, but I was overwhelmed by the support I received from family, friends, and even former colleagues. I organised a charity race night, ran football scratch cards, and reached out to my previous workplace, who generously contributed. Thanks to this collective support, I was able to meet the full fundraising target, which made the whole experience feel like a team effort before I had even left the UK.
Arriving in Uganda was an emotional experience. It was both eye-opening and overwhelming to witness how differently people live. It took time to adapt to the new environment, and I found myself deeply moved by the strength and resilience of the communities we visited. Despite having so little, the warmth and kindness of the people left a lasting impression on me.
Clinic days often began with long, early-morning bus journeys—sometimes lasting over six hours. Once we arrived at each location, we would set up a clean table for instruments, build the portable dental chairs, and figure out where our working space would be. Each day, I waited to be assigned to a dentist, and from there, we would begin treating patients.
As a dental nurse, I mainly assisted with extractions and occasional fillings. The setup was entirely different from what I’m used to back home. Working outdoors in the heat was both exhausting and energising. Despite the lack of equipment, I was constantly amazed by the high standard of dentistry being delivered in such challenging circumstances. It was truly fascinating to witness the innovation and adaptability of the team.
The people we treated were incredibly grateful. Their appreciation was heartfelt and sometimes emotional. In the prisons, we received an especially moving response—prisoners wrote letters, gave speeches, and even performed dances to express their thanks. These moments were humbling and will stay with me forever.
One of the most powerful memories I have is seeing the children—how they lived, what they played with, and what they ate. It gave me perspective in a way nothing else could. I also want to highlight Gail, our team leader, who was an absolute inspiration. Her leadership and ability to keep everything running smoothly were incredible to watch and made the entire experience feel safe and well-organised.
This experience has completely shifted my perspective on both dentistry and volunteering. It’s shown me how life-changing dental care can be—restoring not just health, but confidence and dignity. I returned with a deeper appreciation for the NHS and the resources we often take for granted. Most of all, I feel privileged to have been able to help people become pain-free and to contribute, even in a small way, to their wellbeing.