In 2008, during her last year of dental school, dentist Dr. Kelly Regula participated in a mission trip to Battambang, Cambodia, with an aim to provide crucial dental treatment and care to local residents.
About The Mission
I embarked on my first dental mission in 2008 (Battambang, Cambodia) during my last year of dental school. We had 2 English speaking Cambodian guides and a bus to transport us 5 hours on a dusty road to Battambang.
We stayed in a Jesuit facility, sleeping on mats covered by mosquito nets on the second floor of a large, open-air building. I was an eager to share my dental skills with those less fortunate but little did I know, the opportunity to be part of this mission would keep me grounded for years to come.
Kindness In Action
Kindness in Action is a Canadian non-profit charitable organization whose primary goal is to provide dental health services to under-privileged people all around the world. The organization started in 1993, under the direction of Dr. Amil Shapka of St. Paul, Alberta.
It has now grown to over 200 volunteers and fully embraces its motto "delivering compassionate care while respecting the dignity of those in need."
» Learn More About Kindness In Action
My Experience
I joined a group of 20 (plus) Canadian health professionals in Cambodia for an intense 2 week volunteer experience. There were about 9 dentists in addition to nurses, hygenists and dental assisitants who provided services such as tooth extractions, cleanings, fillings and education.
We traveled with portable generators, dental supplies and equipment to ensure proper sterilization protocols were followed. We were mostly treating children, many of whom were orphaned, had lost limbs due to the landmines or were rescued from the sex trade.
