Every time I volunteer, I leave the clinic knowing I was right where I should be that day, because we help people who really need us.
— Dr. Jim
Volunteers have been key to our success since 1965
Hope Dental Clinic was launched over 50 years ago with the help of the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry faculty, students and other licensed dentists, hygienists and dental assistants.
Hundreds of volunteer licensed clinicians and dental students help make our free services possible.
More than 300 volunteers provide clinic services each year, including members of the Saint Paul District Dental Society and retired dental professionals. The clinic serves as a hands-on training ground for students from the Minnesota School of Dentistry, Century College, Metro State University and Herzing University.
Join our team of volunteers!
If you have a special gift that will benefit our patients, please complete a volunteer application.
There are many opportunities available!
View our current list of volunteer dentists here.
View photos of our clinic here.
What to expect your first time volunteering here.
Licensed Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Dental Therapists, and Dental Assistants
Hours are available Monday-Thursday for our daytime clinic, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and our evening extraction clinic, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
We also need volunteers for our Give Kids a Smile and Saint Paul Dental Connect events on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year, and our Mission for Healthy Smiles outreach to schools and other organizations.
Dental therapists interested in volunteering may contact Erica Mazhary to discuss opportunities.
Application process
• Complete our online application below (You will be prompted to create an account in “timecounts” our volunteer scheduling software)
• You’ll receive an email to initiate a background check
• Request a copy of your renewal license from the Board of Dentistry and mail it to our clinic
• We’ll contact you by email or phone within 10 days to add you to the schedule
You may also email Tamara Haupt for assistance with the application process.
Pre-Dental Students (applying to dental school)
Application for the clinic’s 2022 pre-dental internships has closed. Applications for our 2023 cycle will open March 2023.
You may become a part of our volunteer database by clicking the button below. This will ensure you receive communication of future opportunities and notification of and internship openings.
Please note: Demand for pre-dental opportunities are high, and opportunities outside of the internship are limited due to the volunteer clinician availability.
Apply Now
Before submitting your application you will be prompted to create an account in “timecounts” our volunteer scheduling software
Hygiene and Assisting Students
Volunteer opportunities are available for our outreach events scheduled throughout the year.
All students may contact Pam Thao to ask if other volunteer opportunities are available in addition to those listed above.
Application process
• Complete our online application below (You will be prompted to create an account in “timecounts” our volunteer scheduling software)
• You’ll receive an email to initiate a background check if your school does not provide a background check clearance letter to us
• We’ll contact you by email or phone within 10 days to set up OSHA/HIPAA training at the clinic and get you on the schedule
Interpreters
Hours are available Monday-Thursday for our daytime clinic, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and our evening extraction clinic, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
We also need interpreters for our Give Kids a Smile and Saint Paul Dental Connect events on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year, and our Mission for Healthy Smiles outreach to schools and other organizations.
Application process
• Complete our online application below (You will be prompted to create an account in “timecounts” our volunteer scheduling software)
• You’ll receive an email to initiate a background check
• We’ll contact you by email or phone within 10 days to add you to the schedule
Board-Mandated Hours at Hope Dental
• Mail us a copy of the document from the Board showing number of hours and reason for assignment
• Complete our online application below (You will be prompted to create an account in “timecounts” our volunteer scheduling software)
• You’ll receive an email to initiate a background check
• Request a copy of your renewal license from the Board of Dentistry and mail it to us
• We’ll contact you by email or phone within 10 days to add you to the schedule
Non-clinical volunteers
We have many options for non-clinical volunteers. Those options include assisting with fundraising, clerical work, researching, oral hygiene education, program planning and shadowing/helping the clinicians. The clinic works with each volunteer to find the best area that will align with the individual’s primary interest for volunteering. For any questions you may have about volunteering, please contact Erica Mazhary.
Application process
• Complete our online application below (You will be prompted to create an account in “timecounts” our volunteer scheduling software)
• You’ll receive an email to initiate a background check
• We’ll contact you by email or phone within 10 days to add you to the schedule
Apply Now