From left to right: Dr. Anthony Reichert, Emery Bland, Alvin Lo, Mike Webster and Mike O’Brien in Praia do Presidio, Ceará, Brazil.

This past July, four DMD 2010 (candidate) students (Emery Bland, Alvin Lo, Mike O’Brien and Mike Webster) and recent graduate Anthony Reichert DMD 2009 travelled to Brazil and volunteered as dentists for a week.

Working with the organization Fundamed, the UBC Dentistry team used a small local community centre, in the little town of Praia do Presidio in the state of Ceará, to provide emergency care and hygiene to nearly 200 locals.

The teamwork displayed by all five volunteers—and the invaluable mentorship provided by Dr. Anthony Reichert—made this experience not only rewarding, but very successful and, most certainly, unforgettable.

UBC Dentistry team with local residents at the community centre in Praia do Presidio, Ceará, Brazil.

“The generosity and hospitality of the local hosts was beyond compare,” says Mike, “and the commitment of local volunteers was very high.” Mike and the team also want to return—he notes the relationships built in such a short time will stay with them forever, a lifetime of memories.

Looking ahead, the team would like to start a fund to ensure future UBC Dentistry students can afford to partake in such a rewarding experience.

Big thank yous to Ivoclar Vivadent, Patterson Dental, UBC Dentistry and alumni for their support.