The next outreach is January 22 to February 6, 2027
Are you a dental professional ready to make a difference?
We’re seeking passionate individuals from across the dental field; general practitioners, periodontists, oral surgeons, prosthodontists, hygienists, denturists, technicians, dental assistants, and clinical assistants to join us in delivering care where it’s needed most.
Interested in being part of our next outreach? Let’s do something extraordinary together.
Our mission
Since 2018 Build Your Smile Dental Foundation has traveled to Uganda, providing essential dental treatment in rural communities through the country.
Click on the video to the right to hear, first hand, from our amazing group of volunteers. They share what the outreach experience is like and how it has transform the lives and the lives of the Uganda they served.
Share your knowledge with local dental professionals
At the start of each trip we host our international symposium. As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to share your knowledge with the the local dental professionals at this event. Additionally, each day on our mission, you are encouraged to share your expertise.
FAQs
General Information
What is the purpose of the dental outreach?
The outreach aims to provide essential dental care to underprivileged communities in Uganda, including treatments like restorations, hygiene, extractions, crowns, and implants as well as oral health education.
Who can participate in the outreach?
Dental professionals, including general practitioners, periodontists, oral surgeons, prosthodontists, hygienists, denturists, technicians, dental assistants and clinical assistants. As well as non-dental volunteers who can assist with logistics and patient care and management.
Preparation
What vaccinations are required?
Participants are typically required to have vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, and Tetanus. It’s also recommended to take anti-malarial medication. Our information packet will have all this details.
What should I pack?
Essential items include personal medications, comfortable clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a first aid kit. A detailed packing list will be provided to you.
Logisitcs
How long is the overall trip?
We are usually in Uganda about 14 days. With travel and prep days you should schedule approximately two weeks off.
What are the costs involved?
We arrange airfare, accommodation, meals, and transportation while in Uganda. For our upcoming outreach in 2026 the cost to you is $6,500 CDN.
In Uganda
What kind of dental work will I be doing?
Volunteers may perform a range of dental procedures, including cleanings, extractions, fillings, implants, dentures and providing oral health education to the community.
What are the living conditions like?
Our team in Uganda do their upmost to provide accommodations that are comfortable. They do vary from basic guesthouses to more comfortable lodgings, depending on the location. It’s important to be prepared for modest living conditions.
Will I be expected to speak at your annual symposium?
Each year we host a symposium on the first day we are in Uganda. This well attended event features many of our volunteers presenting on a topic related to their specific work. You are encouraged to present at this event as part of the overall outreach experience.
Safety and Health
Is it safe to travel to Uganda?
Uganda is generally safe for travelers, it’s important to follow the advice of our local BYSDF team and local authorities. The areas we travel to, have be geographically selected to be safe while allowing us to serve thousands in rural part of the country.
What support is available during the mission?
BYSDF Canada and Uganda provide comprehensive support, including pre-trip training and checklists, on-the-ground coordinators, and emergency assistance.
Cultural Considerations
How can I prepare for the cultural differences?
Learning about Ugandan culture, customs, and basic phrases in the local language can enhance your experience. Respecting local traditions and being open-minded is essential. Our BSYDF team will be available throughout the outreach to guide you.
Will there be opportunities for sightseeing?
Our outreach include opportunities for cultural experiences like sharing of local food and beverages, and sightseeing, such as visiting local landmarks or two side trips, see below for more details.
Gorilla Trek- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Kisoro)
- Walk on the wild side and experience a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with one of the rarest animals on Earth.
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the southwestern corner of Uganda. The Park covers the northern slopes of the three northernmost Virunga Volcanoes: Mt. Muhavura (4,127 m), Mt. Gahinga (3,474 m), and Mt. Sabinyo (3,645 m).
- Details: Guests will need to arrive with a packed lunch and necessary items (refer to website below). The excursion will begin early in the morning (8:00 am briefing point). Guests are encouraged to leave their accommodations early in the morning to provide enough time for travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
- Items to keep in mind: Please bring with you; gaitors or lengthy socks to tuck in your pants to void red ants, hiking boots with good traction (not heavy shoes), and a rain jacket just in case it rains in the forest.
- To read more about this amazing adventure please visit: https://www.mgahinganationalpark.com/.
- Cost: $1098 USD per person.
Two- day Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park (Kabale)
Day 1: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Boat ride on Kazinga channel. Today we wake up very early – 6am, drive to Queen Elizabeth national park, have Lunch, go for 2-hour boat cruise on Kazinga channel relax with spectacular sightings of wildlife. This is probably the most amazing combination of spectacular water birds (residents and migrants) teaming with wildlife on Kazinga channel. Along the channel, local people are seen loading their canoes, fetching water as buffalos wallow, Elephants shower, Hippos roam around, crocodiles basking on the same banks; incredible life at the fishing village, see tones of storks, spoonbills, cormorants, kingfishers, lapwigs, pelicans. After transfer to lodge/ camp.
Meal plan: Lunch and Dinner Driving time: 4 hours. Accommodation: Irungu Forest Lodge or Bush Lodge
Day 2: Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park: After early breakfast, at 6.30 am we head out for morning game drive in search for Lions, Hyenas, and elephants, birds. After morning safari, you will transfer back to Kabale.
Meal plan: Breakfast and Lunch Driving time: 4 hours.
Cost: $380 USD per person.
Experience unforgettable encounters with some of the world’s most amazing animals! Visit www.queenelizabethnationalpark.com to learn more.
Below are images of the many volunteers who have helped us create a positive impact in the lives of 1000s.
“Making dentistry available to everyone, helps heal the world one human at a time.”
Dr. Izchak Barzilay,
CEO and Founder
Build Your Smile Dental Foundation
Our Sponsors
Our work is made possible with the help and generosity of our sponsors.
