This experience was truly unforgettable. I had never traveled internationally on my own before, so I was nervous not only about being in a foreign country alone but also about staying in someone else's home. However, from the moment I arrived in Costa Rica, I was welcomed with open arms at my homestay, and the local team was incredibly supportive. Volunteering abroad has always been a dream of mine because I’m passionate about social justice and helping others, and I feel so fortunate that IVHQ made this dream come true in such a remarkable way. This trip is something I will cherish for the rest of my life, and I definitely look forward to volunteering with IVHQ again.
Dental Volunteer Project in Costa Rica - San José
Purpose
Improve access to quality healthcare
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 1-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+
Accommodation
Local homestay
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Volunteers enrolled in a post-secondary dental program, dental students, dental nurses, dental hygienists or fully qualified dentists. Tasks will range based on level of study and qualifications.
Project details
Ready to join International Volunteer HQ’s Dentistry project and make a real difference for low-income communities? Despite having one of the most developed healthcare systems in Latin America, Costa Rica still faces significant disparities in the dental field, with many patients not receiving the care they need. As a volunteer, you’ll become an asset to local dental professionals who work with limited resources, funding, and support staff. You’ll typically be placed in a dental clinic or community center, directly contributing to the well-being of the local population.
Your efforts will help underserved communities receive the medical attention they deserve and contribute to a more equitable healthcare system. By supporting Costa Rican dental professionals, health facilities, and the communities they serve, you will make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. Join us and be part of this life-changing experience!
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
This is an amazing opportunity for pre-dental, dental students or professionals to gain practical experience overseas, while giving back to a community who values your support. You’ll get the chance to shadow local dentistry professionals, observe clinical practice in action and enjoy the cross-cultural exchange of ideas and learnings that comes from volunteering in another country’s healthcare system.
Your tasks and the level of hands-on work you are able to complete may vary based on the needs of the project and the community at the time you are volunteering, and will also depend on your Spanish language ability, level of studies and qualifications.
As a Dental volunteer in Costa Rica, your volunteer work may include:
- Shadowing a dentist and/or dental hygienist
- Helping to prepare materials for treatment
- Sanitizing and preparing instruments
- Educating community members about dental hygiene
- Supporting with administrative tasks in the clinics as needed
Fully qualified professionals will also have the opportunity to assist with:
- Teeth cleaning and check-ups
- Extractions and fillings
Volunteers are required to bring their own PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) including their own scrubs, gloves, and masks.
Why do Dentistry volunteering in San Jose with IVHQ?
When you volunteer on the Dental project in San José you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving access to dental care in San José
- Helping patients with daily tasks
- Practicing your Spanish
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining dentistry experience
- Immersing yourself fully in the Costa Rican culture
- Exploring the buzzing capital of San José
Volunteer requirements
- To be eligible for this project you must at a minimum be enrolled in a post-secondary dental program, or be a dental student, dental nurse, dental hygienist or fully qualified dentist.
- Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate in this program. If you are under the age of 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad page to learn more.
- All volunteers are required to speak fluent English, have adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Costa Rica photo gallery
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Medical project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ volunteer orientation
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
MG
Maya Gomez-Gribben
07 Oct 2024
...
JF
Jaclyn Fisher
14 Aug 2024
I learned so many things from this experience. I learned about the beautiful culture in Costa Rica, I practiced my Spanish speaking skills, I learned more about sea turtles and about conservation and creating sustainable resources for sea turtle conservation. I would return to our program in the future and I would stay as long as possible. It was amazing!!!
...
NM
Nelson Martinez
13 Aug 2024
What I gained from this experience was how kind people are here in Costa Rica. I could easily live here because they enjoy and live the simple life with animals that are free and about.
My advice to anyone that shows interest in this program is they should follow their heart and instincts. If you are curious to know about different lifestyles, cultures, a different way of living and volunteering with passion behind it, then this opportunity is right here. Volunteer and apply for an adventure of a lifetime and an opportunity to make a huge impact. Volunteering also looks great on any resume. Hiring managers are looking for things like this where not many applicants have volunteered.
...
AS
Alyn Spector
13 Aug 2024
The Turtle Conservation project in Costa Rica was absolutely amazing. If I could give you any advice, it would be that you should come prepared to work. This is a serious conservation program run by people who have dedicated her life to the protection and preservation of sea turtles. If you are approaching this as a vacation, you will be coming from the wrong headspace. Treat this like a job. Come to the project for the right reasons and take it seriously, and you will feel wonderful. The effort is absolutely worth it, and the local team is a joy to work with. And of course, enjoy the natural beauty and wonder of this project and region.
...
LR
Lucy Row
24 Jul 2024
I've now done two IVHQ programs (Morroco and Costa Rica) and I reccomend it to everyone. I still talk to my Morrocan host family from over a year ago, I had such an amazing experience with both countries and its a fantastic, affordable way to both see the world, and make a differene in it.
...
BS
Beatriz Sam
11 Jul 2024
From my experience I would say I’ve grown a lot in the past two weeks. Although it was a short time, it felt like I’ve been there for too much and I didn’t wanted to end. I’ve had the greatest time in Costa Rica, I’ve made so many friends from around the world and gained experience and tools that would help me for my professional and personal life. Advice that I’ll give to someone is that don’t hesitate just go for it, you’ll not regret it, it’s once in a life experience and you’ll get a lot from it. Also it’s a really fun and nice way to help the community and environment and to spend time doing something completely different and exciting.
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
San José is Costa Rica’s modern, metropolitan, cultural hub. The capital city has been hailed as one of the most visited destinations in Central America and is the central point for tourists arriving in Costa Rica. It’s got excellent eateries, an interesting variety of museums, markets, shops, parks and nightlife and is only a short trip to any of the numerous natural attractions and adventures in the region.
Arrival and orientation
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José on the Sunday before your start date.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and taken to the volunteer accommodation in San José. This is included in your Program Fee.
We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation. If you are travelling in Costa Rica prior to your program, the local team will pick you up at your San José accommodation the day before your orientation.
Your check out is at 11am on the last Saturday of your program.
The compulsory program orientation is hosted by our Costa Rica team at their offices in San José on Sunday or Monday.
Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Costa Rica – an introduction to Costa Rica, its customs, language training details, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Costa Rica, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.
Volunteer schedule example
First day
You will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.
Weekdays
During the week, you will have a morning or afternoon shift, which will last around 3 to 5 hours. Your volunteer work and hours are dependent on the location and type of project you are participating in but a typical morning schedule is as follows:
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast with your host family. |
| 9:00 AM | Leave home and travel to your placement. You will join the local staff and will receive a duty roster and plan for work. |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch at a local restaurant. |
| 1:00 - 6:00 PM | Work at the placement usually ends. You are free to travel back to your accommodation, go sightseeing or take Spanish lessons. |
| 7:00 PM | Dinner with the host family. |
Weekends
Whether you want to explore or relax on your weekends in San José , there’s plenty of opportunity to do both. Stroll down the bustling Central Avenue in downtown San José and take in a museum, listen to street performers or do some shopping. Then check out the stunning architecture of the National Theater of Costa Rica, taste-test the city’s fabulous coffee or sample a brew from San José ’s blossoming craft-beer industry.
It’s worth noting that Sunday is a religious day of rest and many stores and restaurants will be closed. Costa Ricans tend to devote Sundays to spending time with their family. If you wish, you can accompany your host family to their local church, as a Latin American church service is a unique and special experience for many volunteers.
On long weekends you may choose to travel around the rest of Costa Rica and the many cities, volcanoes, jungles, coffee plantations and beaches which are more than worth a visit. Many of these are only a short trip from San José .
Most IVHQ volunteers choose to take advantage of our Costa Rica - Travel and tour add-ons in their free time. Please note that volunteers on more remote projects such as Turtle Conservation and Eco-Agriculture Conservation will only be able to join these activities before or after their program.
Accommodation and WiFi
In San Jose volunteers are accommodated in homestays with local families - it’s an immersive experience that connects you with an authentic insight into the Costa Rican way of life. You will find living conditions are comfortable and you can expect your accomodation to have electricity, drinkable running water and western bathrooms. Low pressure showers are common and the water is not always heated. Bedrooms have single and bunk beds with bedding provided. You can expect to share a room with up to six other volunteers of the same gender in most homestays.
Single occupancy private rooms are available upon request for an additional cost, offering you the ultimate comfort and privacy during your stay.
If you are traveling as a family, the local team will place you in a separate homestay to ensure all family members are accommodated together.
Please note, volunteers under the age of 18 who are traveling solo will be accommodated separately from those over the age of 18. If there are other volunteers under the age of 18 participating at the same time, the local team will do their best to ensure they are accommodated together.
WiFi is available at the homestays, and you will also have access to computers and WiFi at the local team’s office in San José.
Meals
Volunteers are provided with breakfast and dinner at their accommodation. Breakfast typically consists of toast, fruit, eggs, rice and beans accompanied with tea or coffee. Dinner usually includes: meat (typically chicken), starches and vegetables. Costa Rica’s national dish, Gallo Pinto, is made of rice and beans and served with nearly every meal. Lunches are not provided to San José -based volunteers, as they are typically away from their accommodation at midday. Budget between AU$8 and AU$16 per day to buy lunch.
If you have specific dietary requirements, our local teams and homestays can cater to you, however keep in mind that as a volunteer, there is a need to be flexible.
Typical volunteer meals
Typical volunteer meals
Typical volunteer meals
Typical volunteer meals
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Volunteer accommodation dining room
Accommodation homestay kitchen
Volunteer accommodation living room
Accommodation homestay living room
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Accommodation homestay bedroom
Accommodation homestay bedroom
Accommodation homestay bedroom
Accommodation homestay bathroom
Accommodation homestay shower
Volunteer accommodation
Accommodation homestay
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately AU$484), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately AU$484) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $650 Equivalent to $93/day |
| 2 weeks | $1,045 Equivalent to $75/day |
| 3 weeks | $1,450 Equivalent to $69/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,810 Equivalent to $65/day |
| 5 weeks | $2,120 Equivalent to $61/day |
| 6 weeks | $2,430 Equivalent to $58/day |
| 8 weeks | $3,050 Equivalent to $54/day |
| 10 weeks | $3,670 Equivalent to $52/day |
| 12 weeks | $4,290 Equivalent to $51/day |
| 16 weeks | $5,530 Equivalent to $49/day |
| 20 weeks | $6,770 Equivalent to $48/day |
| 24 weeks | $8,010 Equivalent to $48/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately AU$484) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Costa Rica generally find US$150 - US$200 per week to be sufficient for expenses. Please note this budget is for general expenses and does not include money you will need for any weekend activities you plan to do.
- Breakfast and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- US$95 per week for supervision, materials and logistics involved in the project
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Discounts on language lessons
- Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Lunch
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in San Jose
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ San Jose program.
Beach and Jungle Mini Adventure - Manuel Antonio
Immerse yourself in Manuel Antonio’s stunning natural beauty and thrilling activities on this 6-day adventure
AU$1494
Coffee & Nature Experience - San Jose
Embark on a full-day adventure exploring La Paz Waterfall Gardens, an animal sanctuary, and a Poas Volcano Tour, followed by a Coffee Farm experience.
AU$359
Mini Adventure - San Jose
Experience a comprehensive 6-day Mini Adventure, featuring Arenal Volcano, the Britt Coffee Tour, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, whitewater rafting, and a visit to the pristine Tortuga Island.
AU$2037
Spanish language lessons
No need to be fluent in Spanish to join the IVHQ Costa Rica program—but imagine how much more you can get out of your experience by learning some basic Spanish! Our tailored language lessons are designed to meet you at your current level and help you feel more confident in everyday conversations. Classes run Monday to Friday, and the best part? They’re super affordable and available exclusively for IVHQ volunteers. Dive deeper into the culture and make your experience truly unforgettable!
Online lessons:
- 1-hour Private Classes: US$75 (approximately AU$121) per week
San Jose Language Lessons:
- 2-hour Small Group Classes: US$158 (approximately AU$256) per week
- 1-hour Private Classes: US$207 (approximately AU$335) per week
- 2-hour Private Classes: US$402 (approximately AU$651) per week
Check what's required to visit Costa Rica
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | San Jose |
| Population | 5 million |
| Languages | Spanish |
| Currency | Costa Rican Colón (CRC) |
| Time zone | UTC−06:00 |
Weather and climate: Costa Rica is unequivocally a tropical country. Although you get much cooler temperatures in the mountains, the average annual temperature for most of the country lies between 71°F (21.7°C) and 81°F (27°C). The coolest months are from November through to January, and the warmest months are from March through to May. San Jose stands at approximately 1170 meters altitude and has a mean annual temperature of 69°F (20.6°C).
Apply to check if you're eligible!
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