After a recent volunteering trip to Cambodia with charity Dentaid, dentist Nikki Choong talks about how it can help dental professionals develop empathy and resilience.
How was your volunteering trip to Cambodia?
Incredible, eye-opening, heartbreaking, and deeply rewarding. We spent one week inside a Cambodian prison and another visiting rural village schools – two completely contrasting worlds, yet both filled with patients in desperate need of care. We saw over 1300 patients as a team, with over 680 extractions and 350 fillings. We worked long days with no air-con, no suction, sometimes using school desks as dental chairs and patients spitting into cups. Despite the physical strain – back pain, shoulder pain, sweat pouring down – it was worth every second.
Cambodia stole my heart. The people were so hospitable, grateful, full of love and welcoming, even though many had so little. The language barrier was huge at times, but somehow compassion, patience and smiles allowed us to still make a real difference.
What was the best bit about volunteering?
Helping people come out of pain – and seeing how incredibly brave, grateful, and trusting they were. Their hugs, their smiles, and the relief in their eyes meant the world. It was a privilege to help individuals who had no access to dental care or simply couldn’t afford to ever see a dentist.
Another highlight was meeting like-minded dental professionals on their own journeys. We bonded through the challenges, the heat, the sadness, and the victories. They were all so supportive and we all gelled really well.
What did you learn, professionally and personally?
Professionally, I learned that you don’t need all the fancy equipment to change someone’s life. I’m definitely even more grateful for my suction and my nurse now! I learned to extract severely decayed teeth without X-rays (though the GDC would never allow this at home!) and gained a huge boost in confidence. Every time I doubted myself, I pushed through – and proved I was capable.
Personally, this trip gave me a bigger heart and a much wider perspective. It opened my eyes to how many people live without basic healthcare, and how much impact we can make with simple acts of service. It reminded me to be kinder, more patient, and more aware of how I can help my own community.
Would you recommend volunteering to other dental professionals?
100% yes. I would recommend any dentist, therapist, or nurse to experience a trip like this. It’s hard work – full of sweat, tears, and emotional moments – but it’s genuinely life-changing. I met the most incredible people and worked with an amazing team which made it even more enjoyable. Grateful for the sponsors and donations that could make this trip happen and thank you to Dentaid for giving me the opportunity to go on this trip.
Why do you feel it is important for development?
It allows you to give back to the underprivileged while developing yourself in ways you never expect. Being forced into uncomfortable situations — clinically, emotionally, and culturally – makes you more resilient, empathetic, and adaptable. I have volunteered with Dentaid on the mobile clinics around UK before but going on this overseas trip pushes you more and makes your heart grow exponentially for those in need.
Coming home, I feel more confident in tackling complex extractions and stressful scenarios, because nothing compares to treating in those conditions. (I even did this trip while pregnant, which makes it feel even more meaningful.) It showed me strength I didn’t know I had, and reminded me why dentistry is about so much more than teeth.
