Global Dental Relief

Global Dental Relief GDR brings free dental care to impoverished children in Nepal, India, Cambodia, Kenya, Mexico, and Guatemala.

Celebrating 25 years - 285,000 children served by volunteers worldwide! Global Dental Relief (GDR) was founded in 2001 as the Himalayan Dental Relief Project by former Director of Colorado State Parks, Laurie Mathews, and dentist Andrew Holecek. While on sabbatical in Nepal, Laurie and Andrew recognized the desperate need for dental care in a country which, at the time, had 120 dentists for a popu

lation approaching 24 million. They knew that if children received early dental care and oral health education, it would change their lives. In 2003, Laurie and Andrew were joined in this effort by adventure travel expert Kim Troggio. Her clients were seeking to connect more deeply with the people and communities on their sightseeing tours. She knew that not only local children but also international travelers could be transformed by the experience of providing service in remote communities around the globe. These social entrepreneurs have been working in partnership ever since. Today, Laurie and Kim serve as co-directors of the nonprofit Global Dental Relief, while Andrew serves on the Board of Directors. To date, through their combined efforts, more than 2,000 volunteers have provided over $26 million in donated care to more than 126,000 children.

Patiently waiting for her appointment...
06/03/2026

Patiently waiting for her appointment...

Always a warm welcome in San Martin.
06/03/2026

Always a warm welcome in San Martin.

A heartfelt thank you to Cultural Care Kids First Foundation for their generous grant support of Global Dental Relief’s ...
06/02/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Cultural Care Kids First Foundation for their generous grant support of Global Dental Relief’s Mexico dental clinic! 🌟

Because of your partnership, children and families in underserved communities received access to essential dental care, oral health education, and brighter, healthier smiles.

We are deeply grateful for this support, helping us bring compassionate dental care to those who need it most. Together, we are changing lives—one smile at a time. 💙🦷


Cultural Care Au Pair

A present for our very brave patient in Macario Gómez México!l
06/01/2026

A present for our very brave patient in Macario Gómez México!l

Climbing to active volcano Pacayo is the fun activity our group enjoyed after their hard work in clinic.
05/31/2026

Climbing to active volcano Pacayo is the fun activity our group enjoyed after their hard work in clinic.

Clinic days in San Martin Jilotepeque.
05/28/2026

Clinic days in San Martin Jilotepeque.

It's almost my turn !
05/28/2026

It's almost my turn !

We are in Seattle at Pacific Northwest Dental Convention - hoping to see all our northwest volunteers! Stop by!
05/28/2026

We are in Seattle at Pacific Northwest Dental Convention - hoping to see all our northwest volunteers! Stop by!

Address

2090 South Grant Street
Denver, CO
80210

Telephone

+13038588857

Website

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