This past week volunteer dentists from the USA and Canada enjoyed the true scope of voluntourism- staying at Sandals Grenada and offering free dental care to Grenadians at the National Cricket Stadium reaching a total of 529 persons. This free dental clinic is the resumption of an annual drive; the Great Shape! Inc. 1000 Smiles Project, previously done from 2016 to 2019, serving over 2000 Grenadians. 

For Great Shape! Inc. volunteer, Frank Hayden, the warmth of the ‘Spice Isle’ is incomparable, “I’ve been a Great Shape! volunteer for over six years. We’ve been to St. Lucia and Jamaica, and this is one of the best receptions we have ever received; from the excellent service at the resort, to the kindhearted persons we met at the clinics, we really have felt the warmth and charm of Grenada. I can’t wait for our day off to explore more of the island.” 

The clinic, which is aimed at improving the dental and overall health of individuals through services and dental hygiene education is located at the National Cricket Stadium, and will be available for another two weeks with a new group of volunteers arriving each week. 

For Sandals team members, it has been an excellent opportunity for dental care. Maintenance Technician, Michael Lewis shared, “I had my teeth cleaned and it was a seamless, professional service. How cool is it that I get to come to work, and get my teeth cleaned? On top of that the dentists are out serving the wider community, brightening the smiles of so many people. I really hope Sandals Foundation is able to continue supporting this great health initiative for years to come.”

As the dental drive progresses into its second of three weeks, the sister-isles of Carricao will, for the first time, be served with walk-in clinics on Tuesday 23^rd and Friday 26^th of August at the Hillsborough Medical Center.  Carriacou will again be served on Monday 29^th and Tuesday 30^th of August, the final week of the clinic, empowering more people with better practices towards maintaining better health.  

Persons requesting services at the National Cricket Stadium can contact Great Shape!  via WhatsApp message only to 415-3438.