Considering an internship but unsure if you will enjoy it? Looking for volunteer work but don’t know if it will be a worthwhile experience? Take a glimpse into the first days of interning with KinderSmile Community Service Learning Program:

“Today, I participated in my very first offsite visit with KinderSmile and it was an amazing experience. We visited the 1st Cerebral Palsy School of New Jersey, in Belleville. Since it was my first time attending an offsite visit, I observed most of the teaching methods at a distance and was able to snap a few pictures of Niyati while she used some of the props to give the kids a better understanding of how to properly brush their teeth. It was pretty interesting to see how she’d adjust her teaching methods to tailor to each age group and I believe that this also helps in the effectiveness of the program.

We also provided free toothbrushes for the students and teachers, as well as flyers and contact information for the adults. The children seemed happy, and excited to learn. Not to mention, some of the adults also participated and they became noticeably more interested after learning that we also provide oral health services for perinatal women. So with that being said, I’d consider this offsite visit a success, and I look forward to attending another one!”

—Simone Crippen, Montclair State University, Class of 2017

Apply to become a volunteer with KinderSmile Community Service Learning Program: Click here to apply.

Fulfill volunteer hours, complete an internship for school credit, shadow health care professionals and learn what goes into running a nonprofit organization and a dental clinic! Our volunteers walk away with valuable leadership skills, but don’t take our word for it. Here are some more anecdotes from CSLP volunteers’ 1st day at KinderSmile Foundation.

Offsite visit to educate kids about dental hygiene. (East Orange YMCA)

“Today MyAsia and I visited Zadie’s Early Childhood Center and taught the kids about oral health. We had a great experience! The kids were very smart and attentive.” —Joyce Ojo

“Today was my first time working in the Education Room, and it was great for a first experience. The room was full, and every tablet was being used but the kids were all still very sweet, cute, and cooperative. They loved telling me all their knowledge they had about how to take care of your teeth and loved playing with the puzzles and brushing the stuffed animals’ teeth. Then I shadowed a patient getting a Root Canal done by KinderSmile’s Clinical Director, Dr. Maria Madonna. I was very honored to have been able to watch the procedure being done and learned a lot about the importance of good hygiene for teeth.” —Joanna Atwater

“On my first day, I was able to help and translate the information for women who are pregnant and have little kids about the importance of oral health.” —Rosi Nalvaerte

Volunteer Andrew helps comfort a patient before she gets oral x-rays in our dental home.

Apply to volunteer today!