I had the incredible opportunity to join a dental mission trip to the remote island of Vanua Levu in Fiji. The journey was long and arduous, involving two flights, a boat ride and a bus trip, but it was a journey that would leave an indelible mark on my heart and reaffirm my passion for charity work.

The mission trip was to The Mission at Natuvu Creek, a well-established volunteer center that welcomes a diverse array of medical professionals to rotate in weekly and provide critical care to underserved communities in Fiji. In addition to dentists, other volunteer teams that travel to The Mission to donate their time and skills include ophthalmologists, pediatricians, obstetricians-gynecologists, general surgeons, plastic surgeons, cardiologists, nurse practitioners, health educators and nutritionists. Together, those who volunteer work to improve the lives of the Fijian people who otherwise have limited access to medical care.

Our team of four dentists and five dental team members was tasked with providing much-needed dental treatment to residents across Vanua Levu. Over the course of the week, we treated over 170 patients, many of whom had never received dental care or had waited years for treatment. For these individuals, our visit was not just a routine dental appointment — it was a lifeline. The majority of the people we saw never had access to preventive care and were suffering from preventable conditions like tooth decay, gum disease and abscesses. It was humbling to see the immediate relief that a simple extraction or filling could bring to someone who had endured pain for months or even years.

What struck me most was the distance these patients traveled to receive care. Many patients boarded buses before dawn, traveling for hours from remote villages scattered across the island, just to reach our clinic at Natuvu Creek. The commitment of the Fijian people to their health and the profound gratitude they expressed was a powerful reminder of how crucial these outreach missions are.

In addition to the general dental care we provided to adults, we also had the opportunity to spend a day at the Seventh Day School, a primary school where we provided oral hygiene instructions and fluoride treatments to all of the children. This was one of the most rewarding aspects of our trip. The children were eager to learn, and their excitement was contagious. As we taught them about proper brushing techniques and the importance of good oral health, we could see their faces light up with understanding. Afterward, the children sang a beautiful Fijian song for us and proudly showed us their artwork — creative, colorful drawings that highlighted their joy and pride in having us visit their school. Their enthusiasm was a reminder of the ripple effect that good health education can have on future generations.

The entire experience was deeply rewarding, not only due to the tangible health improvements we helped bring but also in the connections we formed with the Fijian people. It was humbling to realize how much the simplest act of kindness — like taking the time to provide a fluoride treatment or offer a comforting word — can mean to someone who has limited resources. This experience reinforced my belief that charity work is not just about giving medical care; it’s also about showing love and respect to others, especially those in need.

For me, dental mission trips are more than just a professional obligation — they are a calling. It’s easy to take modern healthcare for granted in more developed countries, but traveling to places like Vanua Levu highlights the stark disparities that exist in global health access. It’s incredibly fulfilling to use my skills to help those who would otherwise go without; but, beyond that, these experiences also feed my soul. The smiles on the faces of our patients, the heartfelt gratitude they expressed, the hugs from a nervous patient and the shared moments of cultural exchange are what keep me volunteering.

The people of Fiji are resilient, kind-hearted and incredibly welcoming, and it’s an honor to serve them. While we helped provide critical dental care, the true gift of this mission trip was the connections we made, the lives we touched and the realization that charity work is not just about giving — it’s about growing, learning and sharing in the humanity that unites us all.