In weeks 9 and 10 of 2026, we carried out two dental missions in Guatemala – the first in Rabinal and the second in the nearby town of Salamá. A group of volunteer dentists and dental assistants travelled there to treat children in urgent need of dental care and to contribute to the long-term prevention programme run by our local partner, PRODESSA.
In Rabinal, the team consisted of eight people: one dental assistant, one dental hygienist and six dentists. The collaboration with the local volunteer interpreters – students of languages, history and other subjects far removed from the world of dentistry – worked extremely well, and they quickly learnt how to put the many nervous children at ease. The local dentist, Petronilla, volunteered her services, and Susan, a newly qualified dentist attached to the Rabinal Health Centre, treated patients in need of care whom the team was unable to see.
In Salamá, the team took over in week 10. There were challenges with low attendance on the first day – a clash with scheduled school exams – but this was quickly resolved thanks to the coordinator Alondra. The team also struggled with technical problems with the mobile treatment units, but resolved them using hand tools and small motors.
“We met children with very significant treatment needs – and children with almost no problems at all. The latter is, hopefully, a sign that the preventative programme is working.” – Team leader, week 10
Both weeks were filled with heart-warming reunions, farewell dinners with local assistants and powerful stories about what the work means – for the children, for the families and for the young interpreters and assistants, who tell us that the week changes them. It is stories like these that remind us why we do what we do.
