STUDENT SHADOW/VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Mercy Dental Missions is excited to offer a Student Shadow/Volunteer Program for students and pre-dental students interested in gaining practical experience through shadowing. This program provides an opportunity to observe dental professionals, engage with the Mercy Dental team, and gain valuable skills and insights into dental care — all within a nonprofit setting serving underserved communities.

Our program includes supporting students in their personal and professional development while helping them build a deeper understanding of the many factors that impact dental and overall patient health. Participants will have hands-on opportunities to learn about nonprofit community engagement and fundraising.

Each semester, we offer approximately 4–6 weekly recurring opportunities. Once those spots are filled, additional single-day volunteer opportunities will still be available — so please don’t hesitate to reach out!

STUDENT DAY

Wednesday, November 4th, 2026

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 open now through October 21st, 2026

CLICK TO REGISTER

STUDENT PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Read through our website and review our social media platforms:

Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn

Students must submit an application and send it to our Programs Coordinator at programs@mercydentalmissions.org.

Applications will be reviewed, and selected candidates will be invited for an in-person interview with the Executive Director.

APPLICATION FORM

Students will be given a tour of the clinic, meet the staff, learn about our mission, programs, history, and our future. During the interview, the student will have the opportunity to meet the Executive Director, and some of the clinical team members

Once a student is accepted after the interview phase, they will then need to sign up for their selected spots. Sign up dates are not confirmed until the Programs Coordinator confirms.

Students will fill out the following form on their first day: Release of liability

Students will receive education on clinical safety and patient privacy/confidentiality laws (two training videos in house):

OSHA Training & If Saliva Were Red

During the students' shadowing time period, they will have an opportunity to fundraise and to gain awareness of MDM through their own personal experience and connections. If the student has someone who is interested in donating or volunteering, they should direct them to our website.

MAKE A DONATION

Toward the end of the shadowing time at MDM, students will be sent a survey to complete and will meet with the Executive Director for a short feedback discussion.