For many children in the Yucatán Peninsula, access to dental care is limited, with some receiving their first-ever treatment only when volunteers step in. This April, Global Dental Relief (GDR) is returning to Akumal with a dedicated team of dental professionals and volunteers to provide free, critical dental care to local school children.
Global Dental Relief comes to the Riviera Maya twice annually to provide dental consultations, cleaning, procedures and education for children with neither access to nor funds to pay for regular dental care.
Transforming Lives, One Smile at a Time
From April 7-11, 2025, the Akumal Community Center will host GDR’s dental clinic, where local school children (ages 6-18) will receive comprehensive dental treatment.
Over the course of five days, volunteer teams will work tirelessly from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, ensuring that every child who walks through the doors leaves with a healthier smile.
Children are brought to the clinic in school groups, where they receive:
✅ A full dental exam
✅ Cleanings (when possible)
✅ Fillings and extractions to restore oral health
✅ A new toothbrush and brushing instructions
✅ Fluoride treatment and oral health education
For children needing extensive treatment, multiple visits will be scheduled throughout the week. Once their dental health is restored, they will return every two years to maintain their care.
Spreading Awareness Before the Clinic
Local Seaside Rotary member, Dr. Julia Buttermore, is spearheading outreach efforts to ensure every eligible child has access to care. In late March, she will be visiting area schools with local volunteers to inform families about the upcoming clinic. She will also distribute toothbrushes and consent forms to ensure as many children as possible receive treatment.
For further information, contact Dr. Julia Buttermore via WhatsApp: +1-606-273-1199.
How the Clinic Works
GDR’s experienced team of dentists and volunteers work together in an efficient, well-organized system.
- Dentists perform exams, restorations, and extractions as needed.
- Each dentist is assisted by a chairside assistant, who handles charting, instruments, and suction support.
- GDR provides all portable dental units, instruments, and materials needed for restorative and preventive care.
Focused Care for Lasting Impact
With limited time and resources, GDR prioritizes permanent teeth over primary (baby) teeth. Primary teeth are only extracted in cases of abscesses. Restorations are done using amalgam fillings, except for anterior teeth, where exceptions are made for aesthetic purposes. Treatment is planned for two quadrants per child, with each session lasting about 20-30 minutes. Children may return for additional visits to complete their care.
How can you help?
Many of the children come to the clinic from at-risk communities in Playa del Carmen and Puerto Aventuras. Once again, the Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside will be providing the funds needed to hire transport buses to deliver the children safely to and from the clinic in Akumal. If you would like to support our efforts with a donation, any help you can offer is greatly appreciated. Click here to donate.
This clinic is more than just dental work—it’s a life-changing opportunity for local children to grow up with healthier smiles and a better quality of life. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers and supporters, Global Dental Relief continues to make a lasting difference in communities like Akumal.
For more information about Global Dental Relief and volunteer opportunities with the organization click here.
