Local Volunteer Opportunities
Help Close to Home
Discover meaningful ways to give back through the Santa Clara County Dental Society in San Jose, CA. We offer various volunteer dental opportunities that allow professionals to make a positive impact on the community. By participating, you can share your skills and expertise to support those in need and contribute to improving oral health locally. Get involved and experience the rewards of volunteering in the dental field.
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance coverage do I need to volunteer?
Some events provide insurance coverage for their volunteers, however most require dentists to carry their own professional liability insurance. Most insurance policies cover volunteer activities automatically. Please click here to learn more about what kind of coverage is appropriate.
If you are retired and do not currently have professional liability insurance, but still maintain an active license, special programs may be available to you.
Dental Assistant volunteers typically are not required to maintain their own insurance.
What if I cannot stay for the full volunteer shift?
Some events allow for flexible hours, while others require volunteers to stay for the full time commitment. For more information, please contact the representative listed for each opportunity below.
What services do I have to offer at volunteer events?
The volunteer opportunities listed on this page vary widely from education and basic screenings up to full treatment clinics. More information can be found by reaching out to the contact listed for each event. We highly encourage all volunteers to be clear and up front about the level of care they are comfortable providing.
I am a foreign trained dentist. What are my volunteer options?
In general, foreign trained dentists may volunteer as dental assistants until such a time as they hold a valid California Dental License.
I am a minor/highschool student. What are my volunteer options?
Please reach out to the contact listed for the event you are interested in to determine if they are able to accommodate minors/highschool students at their event. You may also contact Aliya Joy at aliyaj@sccds.org to be added to the SCCDS events volunteer list if you are interested in non-clinical volunteer opportunities.
Current Opportunities
City Team Dental Clinic
The City Team Dental Clinic in North San Jose is seeking ongoing Dentist Volunteers to serve individuals suffering from homelessness and toxic dependency in residence at the City Team Ministries recovery facility. Services are provided at the discretion of Volunteers but could include basic dentistry, prophylaxis, fillings, extractions, partial and full dentures, and some endodontic therapy in the anterior teeth, all at no charge. Volunteers must carry their own malpractice insurance.
The clinic is open on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Volunteers do not need to stay for the whole time. Any time you can offer is gratefully accepted.
To volunteer, please click here to add your name to the sign-up sheet.
Berman Community Health Fair
1-2 Dentists needed to provide education and screenings at the Berman Community Health Fair presented by Assemblymember Marc Berman
Saturday, September 19
1:00pm – 3:30pm
Gabriela Mistral Elementary, 505 Escuela Ave., Mountain View, CA 94041
Please contact Aliya Joy at aliyaj@sccds.org if interested and available.
Care Fair
1-2 Dentists needed to provide education and screenings at Care Fair presented by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin
Saturday, September 26th
11:00am – 2:00pm
Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Rd., Morgan Hill, CA 95037
Please contact Aliya Joy at aliyaj@sccds.org if interested and available.
Hispanic Heritage Month Event
We are currently seeking 2-3 Dentist Volunteers and 2-3 Dental Assistant Volunteers to assist with the Hispanic Heritage Month Event on:
Saturday, October 10, 2026
9am-1pm
SCFHP South County Community Resource Center, 150 Leavesley Rd, Gilroy, CA 95020
At this event, underserved members of the community will receive oral health education, dental screenings, and fluoride application.
If interested, please contact Aliya Joy at aliyaj@sccds.org
Healthy Living Fair
We are currently seeking 2-3 Dentist Volunteers to assist with the Healthy Living Fair on:
Sunday, October 11, 2026
8am-4pm
Trinidad Episcopal Cathedral, 81 N 2nd St, San Jose
At this event, underserved members of the community will have access to a range of health services including medical checks, hearing testing, and dental services (x-rays, fillings, cleanings, extractions, etc). Dental equipment will be provided by Tzu Chi Foundation.
If interested, please contact Aliya Joy at aliyaj@sccds.org
In School Screenings with Healthier Kids Foundation
Healthier Kids Foundation is seeking ongoing Dentist Volunteers to provide in-school screenings for elementary school children.
Due to school district requirements, volunteers must be prepared to provide: Proof of License, Proof of Insurance, Negative TB Test/Screening, Background Check
Screenings are conducted on a rolling basis throughout the schoolyear in multiple locations throughout the San Jose area. Volunteers may indicate the frequency and locations preferred to allow for flexible scheduling.
If interested, please contact Christine Fleming at ChristineF@hkidsf.org