FAQs - Humanitarian Expeditions

FAQs: Crown Council’s Humanitarian Expeditions

FAQs:

Crown Council’s Annual Event

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We look forward to seeing you at the 28th Annual Event in Salt Lake City!

General Questions:

What is the cost of each trip?

The trip cost is $1995.00 per person and is based on double occupancy.

You are responsible for your own air transportation to and from Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) or Guatemala City (Guatemala).

There is an upgrade charge of $300.00 per person if you would like your own hotel room.

There is an additional charge of $500.00 for each doctor who is not a member of the Crown Council.

What does the cost cover?

Hotel, In-Country transportation and meals.

What will the weather be like in the Dominican Republic?

The Domincan Republic has a tropical climate with the typical year-round warm and humid conditions associated with the Tropics. Seasonal mean temperatures range from 20‐25˚C in the winter months (December to February), to 25‐27˚C in the warmer months of June to August and September to November.

When do we need to arrive?

In the link provided at registration, you will be giving an allotted time to arrive and depart.

What will the weather be like in Guatemala?

Guatemala has a relatively warm and tropical climate, with daytime temperatures usually between 70°F and 90°F all year round. March and April are the hottest months, with the rainy season from May to October breaking the often overbearing humidity with afternoon showers and occasional thunderstorms.

Can we amend the length of the trip?

In most cases we need you to arrive at a certain time because we will be traveling and/or having a welcome/orientation meeting. It is important that we are all there together the entire trip.

What should I be doing before the Trip to prepare?

Register your office as soon as possible, trips fill fast!
Make your airline reservations.
Take a look at the Humanitarian Trips Page to start preparing for your trip.
Call Erin @800-276-9658 with any questions or concerns that weren't answered here.
Make sure that you have a valid US Passport that will not expire within the next 6 months.

How many people usually come on each trip?

For a trip to the Dominican Republic the maximum number is 50 people.
For a trip to Guatemala the maximum number is 40 people.

Are there jobs for non-dental humanitarians?

Yes, there is plenty of work to do. We have sanitation, activities to do with the children and in-country Drs. and students to assist. You can also plan a project at home and bring it with you. Find a list of ideas on the Humanitarian Trip page.

How does our Humanitarian Dentistry work on our trips?

We have portable units we leave in each country for the Dentists to use and scalers for the hygienists. They also have lists of instruments/materials to bring from home.

What are the Humanitarian Trip “Rules”?

This gathering is different. Help us keep it that way!

Show up and joyfully participate.
Attend the entire week.
Participate in everything.
Be on time.
Don’t skip out.
Be ready to share ideas with others.
Be excited to connect with others.
No complaining.
No drinking.
Get good sleep.
Be willing to help others.
Have a happy attitude.
Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable.
Be enthusiastic about dressing up.
Be ALL IN.

Are the outlets/plugs the same?

Yes, they are the same.

Are there vaccination requirements?

The CDC recommends certain vaccinations for these countries and we ask that you call your local Health Dept. for more info. The normal vaccinations are HepA, HepB, malaria, typhoid, tetanus.

Will we have free time?

Yes, after we return from clinic each day, the remaining time is yours. Also, at the end of each trip there will be an entire day of rest and relaxation.

Are we SAFE in these countries?

Smiles for Life along with Choice Humanitarian and Esperanza International take precautions to ensure your safety within all practical limits, but ultimately safety is up to the individual and their use of common sense. From the time you land in-country to the time you depart, you will be accompanied by in-country and Smiles for Life leaders through transportation and hotels. You will be traveling in safe, private transportation and we stay in clean, safe, trusted hotels.

Prior to and after the expedition, participants are on their own and encouraged to take necessary precautions for their own personal safety.