How My Dental Internship Abroad Built My Confidence and Independence

Where Are They Now?

Laurie, a final-year dental student in the U.S., spent four weeks in Coast General Hospital in Mombasa Kenya to observe how oral healthcare is delivered in a low-resource setting. She wanted to challenge herself, explore global dentistry, and gain new perspectives on patient care.

We caught up with her to hear how her placement shaped both her clinical journey and her outlook as a future dentist.

Looking for a pre-dental internship or dental elective abroad? Inquire here.

What inspired you to study dentistry?

I always loved the idea that dentistry can make such an immediate difference in someone’s quality of life. Whether it’s restoring function, easing pain, or giving someone the confidence to smile again, it’s incredibly rewarding. I also liked that dentistry blends science, artistry, and patient interaction in equal measure.

How did your internship abroad fit into your training?

My program emphasized the importance of experiencing healthcare in different contexts, so I took the opportunity to spend four weeks abroad during my second year. It was one of the most transformative experiences I had as a student.

What motivated you to go abroad?

I wanted to see how oral health was managed in a country where resources were limited and demand for care was overwhelming. In the U.S., we often see patients early, with strong preventive programs in place. Abroad, I knew I would encounter more advanced pathologies, where dentists have to improvise and adapt.

It was also a chance to combine my love for travel with my professional goals. I was eager to immerse myself in a new culture, learn from local clinicians, and grow more independent both inside and outside the hospital.

Tell us about your placement. Which departments did you spend time in?

Most of my time was spent in oral surgery and general dentistry. I observed a wide range of cases. From severe caries requiring extractions to trauma cases referred from emergency.

I also rotated through pediatric dentistry and prosthodontics. Seeing how clinicians approached treatment with limited tools really pushed me to think creatively. I learned that clinical skill isn’t only about what instruments you have. It’s about adaptability and decision-making.

What was the day-to-day like in the hospital?

Days started early with patient queues already forming outside the clinic. The caseload was intense. Far more patients than I was used to seeing in the U.S.. The environment was busy, but the staff were welcoming and eager to teach.

One moment that stands out was assisting during a root canal. The files were too short for the tooth being treated, so the local dentist improvised by adjusting the handle. It showed me the importance of resourcefulness, something I’ll carry forward in my own practice.

What challenges did you face?

Some patients didn’t speak English, and I had to rely on my mentor and nonverbal communication. Even learning a few words of the local language made a huge difference. 

How has this experience influenced your career?

It gave me perspective. Back home, it’s easy to focus on what we don’t have or wish we had in clinics. But after seeing how patients were treated with so few resources, I gained a deep appreciation for what’s available to us.

I also developed stronger nonverbal communication skills and a more patient-centered approach, especially for patients who may feel anxious or misunderstood. Most importantly, it boosted my confidence. I know I can adapt to new environments and still provide care with compassion.

Where are you now on your journey?

After graduation, I started my general practice residency, where those lessons from my internship abroad continue to help me every day. In job interviews, my international experience stood out and gave me meaningful examples to reflect on.

What are your goals for the future?

I’d love to specialize in oral surgery eventually, and I’m also interested in pursuing global health projects in dentistry. Long term, I want to combine clinical practice with outreach programs that increase access to dental care in underserved communities, both in the U.S. and abroad.

Any advice for students considering an overseas dental internship?

Do it. You’ll gain clinical insight, cultural awareness, and personal growth that you can’t get at home. It’s challenging, but it’s also eye-opening and will make you a more resilient, resourceful, and compassionate dentist.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Take it.

Why Go Elective?

At Go-Elective, we design structured, safe, and meaningful internships for dental students and other healthcare pathways in Kenya and Tanzania. You’ll benefit from:

• Tailored clinical placements in dentistry, oral surgery, and community health.
• Mentorship from local dentists and specialists who guide your learning.
• Firsthand exposure to advanced oral health conditions rarely seen at home.
• Cultural immersion with language lessons, weekend safaris, and shared living with students from around the world.

Your global internship will give you clinical confidence, cross-cultural skills, and memories that stay with you long after you graduate.

Ready to step into your own global dentistry experience? Explore Go Elective’s dental internships and discover how you can prepare for your future while making a difference abroad.

Article Details

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, Dental Internships,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 22, 2025