Program Overview

Indiana University School of Dentistry

The Indiana University School of Dentistry offers a unique opportunity for students to gain insight into international dental schools through its Global Service Learning program in Brazil.

Global Service Learning - Brazil

This program is made possible by a university exchange partnership between IUSD and Faculdades Integradas Espirito-Santenses (FAESA) dental school in Espirito Santo, Brazil. Students participating in this program can expect to:

• Observe and assist FAESA students in oral surgery clinics
• Participate in case discussions
• Volunteer alongside dental professionals to provide treatment for special needs patients
• Attend FAESA lectures
• Assist on numerous cases that otherwise wouldn't be seen in the US in such high concentration

The program emphasizes the ability to work as multidisciplinary teams, a key competency required in dentistry. IUSD students are exposed to different techniques and perspectives on care they would have no exposure to outside of this specific experience.

Program Structure

Before departing for Brazil, students are carefully matched with FAESA dental students living near the school to develop relationships via online social media and virtual meetings. Once in Brazil, IUSD students pair up with their new friends and stay in their homes during the program. This immersive experience increases linguistic and cultural competence and serves as a great introduction to the rest of the trip.

Student Experience

Students have the opportunity to interact with the community at an elementary school in a less fortunate area of the city, providing Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) and sealants to children. The kids go through stations where they learn about oral hygiene before being seen for any dental treatment. After all dental treatment is completed, there is a play that has been designed and performed by the FAESA dental students, providing an exciting way to again reinforce the dental knowledge that the children learned throughout the day.

Outcomes

This global service learning experience enhances cultural understanding through immersion, enriches dental knowledge and skills through involvement in different dental experiences, and impacts the FAESA dental students and professors through sharing information on how dentistry is practiced in Indiana. By participating in a wide range of activities throughout the week, students are able to interact with fellow FAESA dental students, professors, and the Brazilian community in Vitoria in many different settings, granting them remarkable opportunities for personal and professional growth.