STUDENT PROGRAM
Learn. Serve. Lead. Make a Difference.
Gain meaningful experience, build leadership skills, and help make dental care more accessible to those in need.
25
Approx. hours
per semester
1
Semester
at a time
5+
Activities
Service & Leadership
MORE THAN A VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
At Mercy Dental Missions, we believe everyone deserves access to quality dental care, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Our Student Program gives aspiring dental professionals opportunities to serve their community, advocate for oral health, and develop skills that extend beyond the classroom.
Oral Health Advocacy
Educate others about dental care.
Community Service
Make a difference through outreach.
Professional Growth
Build communication and leadership skills.
Recognition
Earn a certificate upon completion.
WHO CAN APPLY?
- College freshman and above, including graduate students
- Students interested in dentistry, oral health, or community service
- Students able to commit approximately 25 hours per semester
- Students committed to completing all required activities
*No previous dental experience is required. This program does not guarantee clinical shadowing or employment.
PROFESSIONALISM & COMMITMENT
- Protect Patient Privacy
- Never access, record, photograph, or share confidential patient information
- Wear Your MDMD T-Shirt
- Required during MDM-related activities and in your educational video
- Honor Your Commitments
- Arrive on time, respond to emails, and complete your required activities
- Lead With Compassion
- Treat patients, staff, and community members with kindness and professionalism
YOUR STUDENT PROGRAM JOURNEY
WHAT'S REQUIRED?
Every student is expected to complete the following semester requirements.
1
Outreach Event
Participate in at least one MDM community event throughout the semester. Help educate children and families about healthy smiles, preventive dental care, and the importance of accessible dentistry. MDM will share available opportunities by email throughout the semester including but not limited to: school/classroom visits, food pantry visits, oral health educational workshop, etc.
1
Oral Health Educational Video
Get creative! Produce one 60 second or less educational video featuring yourself wearing your MDM T-shirt. Share it on your social media, tag MDM, and send it to our programs manager.
5+
SmileAthon Recruits
Help grow our annual July fundraiser by recruiting at least five registered participants. Students are encouraged to attend and volunteer, but attendance is not mandatory.
*Be sure when they register they input your name into the memo box so we can allocate them for you.
$150+
Fundraising Goal
Turn your creativity into compassion! Plan one fundraiser with an individual goal of $150 or more. Choose a social media campaign, restaurant partnership, mailed fundraising letters, or an approved original idea.
*Fundraisers must be completed within the first 90 days of the semester. Alternative fundraising ideas require written approval from the programs manager.
Monthly Virtual Progress Check-Ins
Complete a brief progress survey on the first day of each month to report outreach, social media, and fundraising activities.
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN
Your commitment deserves recognition! Students who successfully complete all requirements receive an MDM Student Program Certificate of Completion.
Semester certificate
of completion
Documentation of verified volunteer hours upon request
Experience for resumes and professional applications
Opportunity to request a letter of recommendation, considered individually
READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
3RD ANNUAL - STUDENT DAY
November 2027
Mercy Dental Missions is excited to offer a special Student Day for current students and pre-dental students interested in a career in dentistry. This unique program provides a structured opportunity to interact with our dental professionals, gain insight into dental care in a nonprofit setting, and learn our mission and how we serve underserved communities.
Registration TBA!
