By: Dr. Aliya Kassam

During the week of Spring Break, Dr. Eric Bradshaw and I had the privilege of traveling with a group of dedicated third- and fourth-year dental students from the Howard University College of Dentistry on a mission trip to Georgetown, Guyana. This remarkable experience was more than just an opportunity to provide dental care—it was a chance to serve, mentor, and uplift both a local community in need and the next generation of dental professionals.

Over the course of the week, our team delivered critical dental services to more than 400 children and adults in the Georgetown area. We provided a full spectrum of care, including exams, cleanings, extractions, and restorative treatments. For many of these patients, this was their first time receiving dental care, and the gratitude was both humbling and inspiring.

This trip was not only a service to the people of Guyana but also a formative experience for our dental students. As faculty and practitioners, Dr. Bradshaw and I were proud to work alongside them, offering guidance, clinical oversight, and professional mentorship in a real-world, high-impact environment. The students demonstrated exceptional skill, compassion, and a deep commitment to the profession. Witnessing their growth over the course of the mission affirmed the vital role of experiential learning in shaping competent and empathetic clinicians.

Stepping away from our practices for a week was no small sacrifice, but the rewards—both personal and professional—were immeasurable. We represented our profession with pride and purpose, and in doing so, we helped to broaden the students’ perspectives and reinforce the values of service, equity, and global health.

We are grateful to Howard University for its ongoing commitment to outreach and to the DC Dental Society for its support of efforts that align with our shared mission to promote oral health and professional excellence. As dentists, we often speak of our desire to make a difference—this trip was a powerful reminder that through collective effort and compassionate care, we truly can.