Mexican Students for Healthy Smiles - IADS International Volunteering Program

IADS International Volunteering Program – Hermosillo, Mexico

The IADS International Volunteering Program, carried out in Hermosillo, was a 7-day experience of learning, service, and cultural exchange, organized in collaboration with the Hermosillo Dental Student Association, the Colegio de Dentistas de Hermosillo, and the Universidad de Sonora, under the framework of the International Association of Dental Students. The program welcomed two international students (Portugal and Tunisia) and combined academic training, community service, and cultural exchange, while delivering preventive care through the national program CEIPIDI, including toothbrush and toothpaste distribution to every child attended. Notably, this initiative was the first program of its kind in Hermosillo and the first to integrate participation from all five dental universities in the city, marking a milestone in local collaboration.

Program Structure

• Duration: 7 days
• Participants: 2 international students + local dental students and professionals
• Components:
  • 2 days academic program
  • 3 days volunteering
  • 1 day cultural exchange
  • 1 day arrivals and integration

Academic Activities

• Monday
  • Morning: Dental photography lecture and practice
  • Afternoon: Emergency dentistry lecture
• Tuesday
  • Afternoon: Emergency dentistry hands-on workshop, including a CPR (RCP) training course focused on emergency response in clinical settings

Volunteering Activities

📍 Internado Cruz Gálvez (Tuesday morning)

• 40 children treated
• 10 sealants
• 8 extractions
• 27 silver diamine fluoride applications
• 2 composite restorations
• 100% received:
  • Personalized preventive talk
  • Plaque disclosure
  • Toothbrushing technique instruction
• Photography participants practiced clinical documentation

📍 Poblado Miguel Alemán – Primaria Tomás Martínez (Wednesday)

• 61 patients treated
• 61 cleanings
• 66 sealants
• 66 diamine fluoride applications
• 13 composite restorations
• 10 fluoride varnish applications
• 7 extractions
• 66 personalized toothbrushing instructions

📍 Poblado Miguel Alemán – Centro Hábitat (Thursday)

• 70 patients reached (with hygiene kits)
• 21 cleanings
• 24 extractions
• 66 diamine fluoride applications
• 4 fluoride varnish applications
• 2 composite restorations
• 49 personalized toothbrushing instructions

Preventive & Educational Impact

• All children received toothbrushes and toothpaste through CEIPIDI
• Focus on prevention, early intervention, and education
• Active participation of Toothie the Beaver across all volunteering days, promoting oral hygiene and engagement

Media & Outreach

• A professional video was produced for each academic and volunteering day, documenting activities, clinical work, and participant experiences
• A dedicated World Oral Health Day campaign video was also created, featuring Toothie the Beaver to amplify preventive messaging and public engagement

Social & Cultural Activities

• Arrival Day:
  • Reception of international participants
  • Ice-breaker activity to foster integration
• During the Week:
  • Guided downtown Hermosillo tour
  • Free exploration afternoon
  • Visit to a local food truck park
  • Afternoon at the beach
• Friday – Cultural Exchange:
  • Morning: Tours at the Universidad de Sonora
  • Afternoon:
    • Cultural exchange event
    • Traditional dance performances by university art students
    • Certificate ceremony