A Memorable Journey: How My Internship in Kenya Reaffirmed My Path to Dentistry

My experience with IMA in Kenya was nothing short of memorable and deeply reflective. It reaffirmed my purpose for wanting to attend dental school. From the moment I arrived, I was warmly welcomed by Michelle and Teddy, whose kindness immediately put me at ease. The kitchen staff, especially Joshua and Maria, went above and beyond- helping me open my charger adapter and telling me, “We are here for you.” That simple gesture made me feel truly at home. Whether it was baking donuts with Erastus or building meaningful friendships with the other interns, every moment contributed to an unforgettable experience. I’m also incredibly grateful to Naiomi for coordinating everything so seamlessly and always being available to answer any questions. One of the highlights of my time was the community clinic- an opportunity I almost missed due to a flight change. I’m so glad I made it. There, I was able to contribute by recording teeth numbers during oral diagnoses and cleaning instruments for extractions. It was in this clinic that I truly saw the heart of IMA’s mission in action. This experience was especially meaningful to me, as I hope to one day practice dentistry in a charitable manner.