Who are DVI’s patients?
Children and youth treated at the clinic range from 4 to 26 years of age. Many of DVI’s young patients experience difficulties such as homelessness, poverty, broken homes, health issues and learning disabilities and are seeing a dentist for the first time in their life.
Underprivileged seniors ages 65 and older, specifically Holocaust survivors, receive free preliminary care and dentures through the Smiles for Seniors program. Additionally, many war-displaced children and seniors have made their way to our DVI clinic.
DVI’s patients are referred to the clinic by the municipality’s Social Welfare Service, at-risk youth centers, domestic violence shelters, and homeless shelters in Jerusalem.
How can I support DVI?
DVI’s operating budget is largely dependent upon the generosity of individual donors and small family foundations, so the best way to show your support is to donate to American Friends of DVI.
It costs about $180 to provide care to one child for one year.
You can support DVI by Making a Gift, Becoming a Member or giving of your time and professional skill and Becoming a Volunteer.
Click here to donate online, or send a check made payable to American Friends of DVI to 57 East 72nd Street, Suite #1B New York, NY 10021.
What are the requirements to volunteer at the clinic?
DVI welcomes applications from dentists who have been licensed for at least two years, and who feel comfortable doing dentistry on young people up to age 26. Pediatric dentists and Endodontists are especially encouraged to apply.
Though we would like to accept all potential volunteers, we are unfortunately unable to accept dental assistants, dental students, or hygienists.
A $360 Volunteer Registration Fee (a tax-deductible donation) is required. Click here to learn more about volunteering.
Are there any accommodations provided for volunteers?
DVI provides volunteers and their families with an apartment located in Jerusalem. All apartments are available from Friday around noon to the following Friday until nine a.m. these times can be flexible, but details must be arranged in advance.
What are the hours of operation for the dental clinic?
The clinic is open four days a week:
Sunday, 8:00am – 1:30pm
Monday, 8:00am – 1:30pm
Tuesday, 8:00am – 1:30pm
Thursday, 8:00am – 12:30pm
The clinic operates 50 weeks out of the year and only closed for legal Israeli holidays.
How do I initiate the process of volunteering?
To volunteer please complete the On-line Application Form or download and print PDF form, complete, and fax or email, the Paper Application to Galya Zaig at +972-2-678-4737 or international@dental-dvi.org.il.
Does the DVI clinic have a routine clinical staff?
The DVI clinic has a Director, Dr. Roy Petel, who is a pediatric dentist. He is present at every clinic and supervises all procedures. The clinic has at least four multi-lingual dental assistants who are each assigned to a doctor for every appointment. There is also full-time hygiene staff working at the clinic. All dental clinical staff members are permanent and on-site.
Is there a U.S. doctor I can speak to about the volunteer process and experience?
Yes, Dr. Michele Schultz-Robins is the President of AFDVI and would be happy to answer any questions you may have about DVI. You may contact her by phone at (908) 675-6153 or email her at micheleschultzrobinsdmd@gmail.com. Dr. Schultz- Robins has volunteered many times and is very familiar with the experience.