Dental Teams
Next Dental Team: October 9-19, 2026
Join a WIND dental mission team serving children and families in San Juan Cotzal, Guatemala. Dental professionals and other volunteers work alongside local partners to provide treatment, education, and preventive care.
Education of children is one of WIND’s three key areas of focus. There are several important factors that contribute to providing a quality education for the kids in the Ixil region of Guatemala. A child who is experiencing dental pain is often unable to concentrate in class. Infections of teeth inhibit the consumption of nutritious food – also needed to excel in school. We feel that it is critical to provide these children access to dental care and a long-term pathway toward healthy mouths.
After many years of taking dental teams to the Western Highlands of Guatemala, WIND is beginning to see fruit from our labor. By providing education to local health providers and inviting school teachers to support good hygiene practices, we are seeing the evidence of improved dental health. We see more toothbrushes hanging in homes and classrooms and less need for restorations and extractions. We feel we are just starting to get momentum toward the desired long term impact and our efforts are only beginning.
WIND is working toward a sustainable dental program that combines education, prevention, local partnerships, and access to treatment. Our long-term goal is lasting improvement in dental health throughout the community.. Our program has demonstrated that when teams of individuals are willing to provide education and access to care, long-term, positive advances toward stable dental health occur.
To the supporters of the dental program and each volunteer who furthers the vision to deliver a progressive and sustainable dental program, we are grateful. We couldn’t do any of it without you. Your dedication is changing the dental health in the community of San Juan Cotzal, Quiché, Guatemala. Your hands that heal, teach and care bless not only the child you directly help, but each family in the community whose dignity is supported as well.
