When I came to MUSC, I had never worked with a group like DCF or even been on a trip outside of the United States. When I heard of DCF and learned what the organization is about, my initial thought was it would be a fantastic experience during my 3rd or 4th year of dental school to go on a trip. I thought by then I would actually know enough to be helpful and contribute in the clinics DCF sets up all over the world. However, despite my initial hesitations I still went to Quito, Ecuador during spring break of my first year of dental school, and I am so glad that I did!! If you have ever wanted to go on a trip like this, there is literally no better time to go! It is a wonderful break from the stress of school, and I learned so much on the trip about dentistry, myself, and another culture. Not to mention some Spanish! I also went to La Vega, Dominican Republic during June after my first year, and I may have enjoyed that trip even more! My involvement with DCF has given me close friends in other classes that I otherwise would not have, and I 
have been reassured dentistry truly is what I want to do with my life! I have met so many great people, and seen beautiful places in other countries. And while the clinic DCF runs certainly requires hard work, it is so much fun and so rewarding to be able to serve such wonderful people and make a small difference it hardly feels like work. To my surprise, I also learned a lot more that I could use and apply than I even realized during my first year of dental school, and I am sure you will too! Just getting involved with DCF has been a blessing and so much fun, and I am looking forward to 3 more years while I am in school and many more to come afterwards! Join us on a trip, you will be glad you did!
Sincerely,
Steven Robertson – MUSC CDM Class of 2016
