DDS International Inc.

DDS International Inc. is a non-profit, faith-based organization dedicated to providing relief from oral pain and disease, particularly in Guatemala. It operates as a public charity, holding 501(c)(3) status, which allows donations to be tax-deductible in the United States.

Mission and Activities

The mission of DDS International is to deliver free dental care to underserved populations and increase dental awareness. Their approach includes offering humanitarian, religious, and social services such as education and food assistance. The organization is committed to "restoring lives one tooth at a time," reflecting its focus on enhancing the well-being and self-esteem of those they serve.

Operations

DDS International involves a team of volunteers consisting of dentists, dental students, assistants, hygienists, and interpreters from both the United States and Guatemala. These volunteers contribute their time and resources to support the organization's mission, covering their own expenses.

Programs and Outreach

The organization conducts dental care missions, typically lasting about a week. These missions are designed to provide immediate dental care while also educating the local community about dental health. Participants in these programs include dental professionals and students who contribute their skills to deliver care and educate recipients about oral hygiene.

DDS International operates within Latin America and the Caribbean, primarily focusing on Guatemala. Their efforts aim not only to alleviate immediate dental needs but also to foster long-term improvements in community health through education.

Structure and Operations

As a nonprofit organization, DDS International relies on volunteer efforts and donations to sustain its operations. The organization's reliance on volunteer practitioners and supporters is crucial to its mission, enabling it to channel its resources efficiently toward direct service delivery and community development.

[1] https://ddsinternational.org [2] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/134089802 [3] https://www.ada.org/volunteer-search/316/dds-international [4] https://www.dds-foundation.org/join-dds-foundation/ [5] https://www.omg.org/news/releases/pr2024/07-09-24.htm