Dental internship placements take place in both private and public clinics, including some that specialize in orthodontics and other fields. Interns work alongside local professionals and support staff, assisting with patient consultations and treatments.
Please note that tasks vary depending on the needs of the clinic. It’s important to set realistic expectations, as there are limitations to hands-on work in the dental field abroad. In some cases, interns may primarily shadow professionals rather than perform independent patient care, particularly if their qualifications are from another country.
Support and Independence
In-country coordinators are available for support, but they are not present at your placement daily. This internship requires adaptability, initiative, and independence.
Spanish Language Requirement
The schools we collaborate with primarily operate in Spanish. An intermediate level of Spanish is required to effectively communicate with staff and students. A phone interview will be conducted before placement to assess proficiency.
Work Schedule
Interns typically work 4-6 hours per day, Monday to Friday. Daily 1-hour Spanish classes are included, and additional planning or independent tasks may be required. Weekends are free for relaxation, travel, or personal projects.
Dress Code
Professional appearance is highly valued in Guatemala. Business casual attire is required, with neat and clean clothing. Even in warm weather, revealing or extravagant outfits are discouraged. Prepare to dress conservatively, covering shoulders and knees when appropriate.
Daily Transportation
Internship placements are located in the Antigua area. Public buses and walking are the most common and cost-effective transport options, with typical one-way bus fares around Q8 ($1). Taxis are available but more expensive. Travel time varies from 20 to 60 minutes.
On your first day, a representative will accompany you using local transportation to familiarize you with the route. Interns are responsible for their daily transport expenses. Changing placements after starting is difficult, so be prepared to travel to your assigned location daily.
Internship Deliverables
All interns must submit weekly journals and a final deliverable. Requirements include:
- Practicums (less than 8 weeks): Either a 10-20 page written paper or a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation.
- Internships (8 weeks or longer): Both a 10-20 page written paper and a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation.
Final deliverables should include:
- An overview of your placement and role
- Organisation review
- Sector analysis (host/home country comparison)
- Challenges faced and solutions
- Outcomes and results
Spanish Language Classes
Interns receive daily 1-hour Spanish lessons, Monday to Friday. Classes are tailored to individual levels and focus on industry-relevant vocabulary.
Our Native Spanish Program is taught by certified instructors using the Communicative Method, which prioritizes immersive, spoken interaction. Instructors conduct classes entirely in Spanish to enhance language acquisition.
Maximising Your Experience
Your success in this internship depends on your engagement and proactive approach. Expect cultural and workplace differences, including language barriers and variations in work structures. Embracing flexibility and initiative will enrich your experience and professional growth.
Location
Projects are located in and around the city of Antigua. Which was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. This is a popular tourist spot due to the pretty colonial buildings and ancient ruins. From the streets and rooftops, you can even see volcanoes towering over the city. Antigua’s Central Plaza has plenty of restaurants, shops, markets, and regular cultural events, making it an exciting city to call home.
Project Tasks
- Observe and support patient consultations.
- Assist with teeth cleanings and routine check-ups.
- Help with processing, reporting, and interpreting test results.
- Educate patients on basic dental hygiene and healthy habits.
- Clean and prepare dental instruments and materials.
- Assist with reception duties, including scheduling and paperwork.
- Organize and maintain patient records.
