Dental care is often measured in cleanings, fillings, and restored smiles. But during a recent outreach trip to Greece with the Queen's University Dental Brigade, our mission became something far deeper. Alongside two volunteer dentists and 17 dedicated university students from across Canada and the United States, I had the privilege of providing dental treatment and oral hygiene education to refugees seeking safety and hope.

Many of the individuals we met fled their homelands—including Syria, Palestine, Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria, and Iran—in search of peace and basic living conditions. They left everything behind. Some shared harrowing journeys of arriving by small boat, carrying the grief of lost loved ones, visible war scars, and the overwhelming challenge of navigating a foreign country without speaking the language.

Moments That Changed Our Hearts

One of the most emotional highlights of the trip was visiting a shelter for young boys. While the volunteer dentists conducted dental screenings, our university students led interactive oral hygiene sessions.

Despite the incredible hardship these young boys faced—living separated from their families or growing up as orphans—their resilience shone through. Behind cautious expressions were innocent, bright smiles. They eagerly played games guessing proper brushing techniques and welcomed us with open arms.

Caring Beyond the Dental Chair

At Glen Erin Dental, our core philosophy has always been centered on empathy, comfort, and treating every individual like family. Serving these resilient communities in Greece was a powerful reminder that healthcare is fundamentally about human connection.

We went to Greece to care for their oral health, but they changed our lives in profound ways. It was more than a clinical outreach—it was a lesson in humanity, gratitude, and compassion that reshaped my priorities forever. It is an experience our team will cherish for a lifetime.

Dr. Cassia Braulio

Glen Erin Dental