Dentist

Mercy Ships is an international charity that brings hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor through state-of-the-art hospital ships. Since 1978, our volunteer crew—made up of medical professionals and skilled workers from over 60 nations—has delivered free surgeries and medical care to over 2.8 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, transforming lives one patient and one port at a time. Join our global team of over 3,000 volunteers and help us change lives daily.

About this role

Our Dentists provide clinical dental care to clients in the host nation. All treatment is completed in our on-ship dental clinic spaces. May provide education and training for partner country participants, trainees, and students in Mercy Ships training programs while providing clinical care.

What you will contribute

• Provide dental care, primarily including but not limited to extractions and restorations, to clients on the Mercy Ships vessel

• Observe universal precautions at all times

• Demonstrates a commitment to collaboration and team work, able to work closely with a team and actively engages with team members to offer enhanced care

• Fully participate in all ship and departmental activities

• Assist with identification of equipment maintenance/replacement needs

• Assist with chart and record keeping as needed

• Have a flexible and humble spirit to help the team as needed

• Due to the ever changing staffing levels and field service rotations, all staff may be re-assigned to temporarily fill roles in other departments in a time of need

• Other duties as assigned

For This Role, You Will Need

• Dentist with active/current license in home nation must be actively practicing (minimum of 1 day per week). Minimum two years experience following licensure.

• Supportive of Mercy Ships mission and vision, and committed to its core values

• Understand and apply servant leadership, work collaboratively with integrity and demonstrate accountability

• Able to live in and contribute to community life, requiring stable and healthy interpersonal skills

• Willingness to teach and share clinical knowledge with others

• Relevant healthcare experience/knowledge

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Has healthy affirming relationships and exhibits integrity in professional and personal life

• Fluent in English

• Requires flexibility and sensitivity to language & cultural diversity

The experience of a lifetime is calling.

More than 1,200 volunteers from over 60 nations serve with Mercy Ships each year.

At Mercy Ships, we are proud to be recognized around the world for the life-changing surgeries and training we deliver. We could not achieve this without our dedicated community of talented volunteers.

Imagine finishing your shift and stepping onto deck as the sun sets—knowing that today you’ve helped transform the lives of those who need it most. Apply now to start a journey that will reshape the lives of those you serve — and your own.