River Plate Adventist University (UAP) in Argentina held another edition of its Mission Possible volunteer program, an academic and missionary initiative that provides free dental care to low-income communities. The team consisted of professors and senior dentistry students who provided services in the town of Villa de Soto, Argentina, benefiting more than 290 people.

The activity was organized by the university's Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Dentistry, in collaboration with the local municipality and the Community Integration Center (CIC) of Villa de Soto, which provided the space and logistics for the care that took place from October 20 to 22, 2025.

During the sessions, third and fifth-year students completed supervised professional internships, divided into work modules that covered different areas of dentistry. Services provided included restorations, extractions, root canals, prosthetics, and dental cleanings, in addition to specialized care for more than 70 children.

Mission Possible is a project that combines academic training with volunteer service, promoting an education based on Christian values ​​and a commitment to the community. Each year, the program visits various locations in Entre Ríos and other Argentine provinces, providing quality care to individuals who cannot easily access these services due to cost or limited availability.

Practical and Collaborative Learning

Dentist Deninson Barahona, Dentistry program and University Dental Center coordinator, emphasized the importance of programs like Mission Possible in training committed professionals.

“The imprint that the University, based on excellence and service, leaves on the DNA of the future dentists we train is fundamental. This is what lasts the longest. Volunteer activities reinforce this imprint and have the potential to transform the paradigm of future professionals,” he noted.

Fifth-year student Daniela Castro, who participated in all areas of dental service during the program, emphasized the value of patient feedback and the teamwork within the group.

"What impressed me most about this edition was the unity and teamwork we achieved among the third- and fifth-year students, collaborating together and strengthening our bonds," she noted.

Neila Alfonzo, a third-year student, shared that her first participation in these volunteer activities alongside upperclassmen was a very enriching experience.

“Although I didn't cover all the modules, the division into different areas allowed us to learn about what we will be doing in the coming years. In my case, I performed cleanings for the first time and treated children in pediatric dentistry. I also participated in surgery, which is the most common practice in the third year. The constant attention to patients helped me a lot; it was a positive experience that fosters learning, personal growth, and collaboration with others,” she said.

Training for Service

Jorge Escandriolo, UAP Dentistry program director, stated that this initiative reflects the commitment to service that characterizes the Adventist identity and seeks to ensure that academic training extends beyond the classroom to positively impact the community.

Through these outreach efforts, students not only provide assistance but also enrich their learning with valuable practical and human experience, he said.

Alfonzo added, "With each patient, I tried to start a dialogue to ask how they were feeling. I've received feedback from people who appreciated that I took the time to talk to them. They expressed their gratitude for the treatment we gave them and the dedicated attention."

This project has had a positive impact on people's perception of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in various areas in Argentina. In addition, patients received books such as The Great Controversy by Ellen G. White or The Key to Change by Marcello Niek and Bruno Raso, and read them while they wait to be seen.

This is the eleventh edition of the program, consolidating its organizational structure and social impact. The planning acquired over the years has allowed the initiative to function efficiently and dynamically, strengthening student learning and UAP's commitment to the holistic well-being of its participants.

The original article was published on the South American Division's Spanish news site.