Each year East Meets West has approximately
ten groups of volunteers come to Danang. These are usually evenly
split between students and dentists. Volunteers typically stay
for two weeks, spending a few days in our clinic and proceeding
on to an Outreach Trip to serve more remote areas where children
cannot access a dentist.
The EMW Dental Program has received over
175 volunteers from countries around the world. These
individuals include dentists, hygienists, dental assistants,
dental students and non-medical volunteers. They have come
from Australia, Sweden, Israel, Thailand, Nepal, Canada, England,
Scotland, and Germany as well as from numerous states within
the USA (including Alaska, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Nebraska,
California, Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Texas,
Hawaii, New Hampshire and New York).
EMW has agreements with
several dental universities to send senior students to EMW
to receive advanced training from our staff. We have recently
partnered with other International NGOs to provide even more
services to our patients by combining our resources, including
Himalayan Dental Relief Project and Global Humanitarian Expeditions.
In addition, many dentists are returning military Veterans
who served in Vietnam during the war years.
Our volunteer schedule is set well
in advance, often 6 –12 months. Therefore, we encourage
interested people to contact us as early as possible as it
may not be possible to accommodate every request. Volunteers
are expected to pay their own travel and living expenses.
It is recommended that you consider purchasing emergency
travel insurance. This allows EMW to target their funds directly
to the needs of the children.
Volunteers may also be asked
to obtain certain dental items or supplies that are extremely
difficult to find in Vietnam. They may also be requested to
help train our staff in certain dental subjects or update
our program in the latest techniques. We would like each volunteer
to provide EMW with a brief post-trip report which describes
their activities and suggestions for improving our program
in the future. It would also be kind if you can take the time
to sign our ever growing guest book.
The languages used in our clinic are English
and Vietnamese. Expect to use your translation skills. Past
volunteers have been impressed with our program and overwhelmed
by the cooperation of our trusting child patients. The culture,
food and beauty of Vietnam will leave you with an unforgettable
lifetime experience. We only ask that each volunteer remember
that they are guests of EMW and the government of Vietnam
and that they conduct themselves properly. Both the volunteers
and our Vietnamese staff will learn and benefit from each other’s
knowledge and experience.
Upon the conclusion of your trip, EMW staff
in Oakland can mail you an official EMW letter
which states the amount of time you volunteered and any items
you may have donated. EMWF is a US registered 501 (c)(3) charity
organization and this form can be used as a tax receipt.
How To Apply
Dentists, hygienists and dental students interested
in volunteering with EMWF should contact our program director
Dr. Craft and our clinic coordinator Ms. Huong to set up a scheduled
trip.
Ms. Huong will send you an information
form and request copies of your Passport, CV, diploma, license
or student Ids. For students, we will also need a letter of
agreement from your university. EMW will then request permission
from the Vietnamese Foreign Affairs and Health Departments
to obtain a “Work Visa”
for your visit. This process may take several months. Once
approved, a special code will be sent to you and to the Vietnam
Embassy in your country. You will need to fill out a work
visa form (with photos) and pay a fee (around $50 USD) to
obtain your work visa.
If you would like
to volunteer, please email your CV, diploma, dental license,
and a copy of your passport information pages to EMW. Dental
students must include your student ID and an agreement letter
from your university. Please send all materials to the attention
Dr. Hoa at emwfdental@pmail.vnn.vn
General Information on Visiting Vietnam
Most vistors will arrive in Vietnam at the
international airports of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. From
there they can take a domestic flight on Vietnam Airlines
to Da Nang. It may also be possible to fly directly to Danang
International airport.
EMW staff will meet our guests at the
airport and help volunteers arrange local lodging and transportation
within the Da Nang area. Rooms run about $15-30 USD with hot
water, air cond, TV and most have internet access now.
Motorcycles
may be rented for around $5 USD per day with car rental about
$25 per day. Day trips are available to Hoi An, Hue or the
countryside near China Beach.
There are lots of excellent restaurants
that serve delicious and inexpensive western and Vietnamese
food. The currency used in Vietnam is the Dong, although US
Dollars are also accepted. Money exchanges and credit card
advances can be made at the local banks. ATM cash machines
are also available in Danang. The local weather ranges from
hot (January through May), rainy (June through September) and
cool (October through December). Our staff can provide you
with telephone numbers for emergency police, fire and hospital
services in Da Nang upon your request.
If you have additional questions about our
program, one of our past volunteers has offered to help by
sharing his own personal experience with EMW Dental. Dr. Milton
Poler from North Carolina, USA can be reached at grpoler@carolina.rr.com
.
Contact the Dental Program
EMWF Dental Program
22 Tran Binh Trong St
Da Nang City, Vietnam
Tel/Fax: 84-511-810319
Email: emwfdental@pmail.vnn.vn
Dr. Charles F.Craft: Fcraft80@hotmail.com
U.S. staff: deedee@eastmeetswest.org
