International Access to Care
Access to care has been a part of the Foundation’s mission since 2016. The access to care initiative is fulfilled through International and Domestic programs. The international outreach program was developed and implemented in conjunction with the Foundation’s Resident Expert Advisory Council (REACH).
Each year, in conjunction with Great Shape! Inc., the Foundation provides volunteers a one-week opportunity to provide access to endodontic care in a Great Shape clinic in the Caribbean. Volunteers have provided care in Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Turks & Caicos. All materials, pharmaceuticals, and equipment are provided by the Foundation and shipped directly to the clinic for volunteer use. Seiler Precision Manufacturing has generously donated a microscope for volunteer use in Jamaica, allowing endodontists to provide the highest quality of care. The one-week opportunity is supported in full by the Foundation, and includes the cost of Great Shape registration, travel, insurance, lodging and accommodations, food & beverage, and ground transportation to and from the airport and clinic. Learn more about the Great Shape! experience.
Thanks to corporate and individual donors, the international outreach program has seen monumental growth since its launch. Our volunteers are making an impact on an international level and residents are taking the opportunity to give desperately needed care to underprivileged patients, saving teeth and improving the quality of life for many.
| Year | Weeklong Trips | Foundation Volunteers | Endodontic Treatments Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 4 | 12 | 140 |
| 2018 | 4 | 12 | 132 |
| 2019 | 4 | 12 | 112 |
| 2020 | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| 2022 | 1 | 3 | 14 |
| 2024 | 2 | 6 | 41 |
| 2025 | 4 | 10 | 240 |
| 2026 | 3 | 9 | FALL 2026 |
| Totals | 67 | 684 |
Get Involved!
Mentors
One opportunity involves an endodontic mentor, selected through the application process linked below. All costs associated with the program are covered by the Foundation for Endodontics.
If you are interested in serving as a mentor on our outreach trips, please review the guidelines. You can contact grants.foundation@aae.org with questions or for more information.
Resident Volunteers
First opportunity to participate as a resident volunteer is given to the Foundation’s Resident Expert Advisory Council (REACH) members and nominees.
Interested in joining as a resident volunteer for a trip in the future? Review the eligibility guidelines and application for the Resident Expert Advisory Council (REACH) and plan to apply. The application deadline is November 1 of each year.
Watch this video to learn more about the Foundation for Endodontics International Access to Care presence.