[International volunteer projects in oral care: an inventory of successful characteristics].

Abstract

This study provides an overview of Dutch oral healthcare volunteer projects abroad and describes to what extent these projects meet the characteristics of a successful volunteer project. These characteristics are based on literature studies and include: preparation of the project, project goal, suitability for the specific population, general approach and scientific justification, composition of the team, sustainability of the project, ethics, external collaborations and sponsors, evaluation of the project, and safety of the volunteers. This study identified 24 Dutch volunteer projects abroad, based on a systematic search. Most of them meet the characteristics of 'project goal and suitability,' 'team composition,' and 'external collaboration and sponsoring.' The information provided for the other characteristics was incomplete, which means that no statements can be made as to the fulfillment of these requirements. These results provide insights into how existing and new volunteer projects can be (further) developed to contribute to oral healthcare in low- and middle-income countries in an effective and well-suited manner.