Volunteering beyond the clinic: dental care in Luxor

Chinwe Akuonu shares her experience of volunteering to deliver dental care to underserved communities in Luxor, Egypt.

Earlier this month, I travelled to Luxor in southern Egypt to volunteer with Mobile Smiles Charity, an organisation with a mission to deliver dental care to communities with limited or no access to treatment. The week-long trip began on 5 February and included four intensive days of clinical work from 6-9 February, providing essential dental services to adults and children who otherwise might not receive care.

Mobile Smiles focuses on delivering general dentistry in underserved communities – including extractions, restorations, professional mechanical plaque removal (gum treatments), preventive advice, oral hygiene instruction, fluoride application, and the distribution of toothbrushes and toothpaste. The aim is not only to relieve pain and infection, but also to support long-term oral health through education and prevention.

My decision to volunteer was rooted in something deeply personal. Giving back has always been central to why I chose dentistry – our profession is, at its core, a service to others. Having recently returned from Nigeria, where I was able to support my local community after more than two decades away, I felt inspired to continue on this path. Finding time within a busy professional schedule is never easy, but the desire to serve had been growing for some time.

Physical, financial and emotional commitment