Elevated GP dental service trip
Serve together in Antigua, Guatemala
Five days of clinic alongside Common Hope, and a week of culture, food, and friendship with the dentists you already learn from. February 13 to 20, 2027.
The trip
Our first service trip as a community
In February 2027, Elevated GP members are heading to Antigua, Guatemala to provide dental care with Common Hope (Familias de Esperanza), our host partner on the ground.
It's the same evidence-based, judgment-free community you know from the study club, now working side by side. Our team is large, so we rotate through the clinic during the week, which leaves real time to explore Antigua's cobblestone streets.
We'll be there during Lent, when Lenten processions and hand-laid sawdust carpets (alfombras) fill the streets. Holy Week in Guatemala is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
-
Five clinic daysSupplies for restorative care and endo are provided. You bring your loupes and PPE.
-
Lodging and meals arrangedLodging and on-site food are covered, with group dinners at favorite Antigua restaurants.
-
Culture built inA volcano hike, a chocolate workshop, and a Guatemalan cooking class are on the schedule.
The week
Eight days in Antigua
Tentative itinerary. Clinic time rotates across the team.
-
Saturday13FebArrival
Arrival and welcome
Group transfer from Guatemala City airport (GUA) to Common Hope, then orientation and a welcome dinner at San Carlos, across the street from Familias.
-
Sunday14FebCulture
Pacaya Volcano hike
An early start around 6:30 am, a 1.5-hour drive, then a 1–2 hour hike (or a guided horseback ride) up to the lava flow to roast marshmallows and picnic. Back by about 2 pm, with the afternoon free in Antigua and dinner at Aqua.
-
Monday15FebClinic
Clinic day
Morning and afternoon clinic, then dinner at Héctor's.
-
Tuesday16FebClinic
Clinic and chocolate
Clinic, then a chocolate workshop at La Trufa Chapina followed by dinner at Frida's.
-
Wednesday17FebClinic
Clinic day
Clinic, then dinner at Como Como or Panza Verde.
-
Thursday18FebClinic
Clinic and cooking class
Clinic, then a Guatemalan cooking class with Orlando: hilachas, tostadas, mole, tortillas, and two drinks. Vegetarian and non-alcoholic options are available.
-
Friday19FebClinic
Final clinic and farewell
Last clinic day, then a goodbye and thank-you dinner at Welton, hosted by Familias.
-
Saturday20FebDeparture
Departure
Group transfer from Common Hope back to GUA.
Cost
What the week costs
$1,055
Estimated per person, not including airfare.
- $345 Common Hope first depositPaid when you register
- $345 Common Hope second depositRequested by Common Hope before the trip
- ~$365 Dental supplies and cultural activitiesCoordinated by trip lead Dr. April Dennison
- $1,055 Estimated totalPer person, plus your flights
Covered
- Lodging
- On-site food
- Dental supplies
- Planned cultural activities
Not covered
- Airfare to and from GUA
- Independent activities in your free time, and transportation to them
Spouses and partners are welcome at the same per-person cost.
How to join
Five steps to Antigua
Registration runs through Common Hope. Once you're registered, the rest is travel prep.
-
Register with Common Hope
Choose Dental Team First Deposit as your registration option, then enter our team name under registrant details so you're placed with our group.
Team name2707-D-HumbertDental -
Book your flights
Fly into Guatemala City (GUA), arriving Saturday, February 13 and departing Saturday, February 20. Send your flight details to Dr. April Dennison so she can arrange your airport transfer.
-
Check your passport
Make sure it stays valid through at least July 2027.
-
Read the team guide
Common Hope's 2027 team guide covers what to expect on site.
Open the team guide → -
Pack your clinical gear
Bring your loupes, scrubs, scrub caps, face shields, and N95 masks if you prefer them. Level 3 masks are provided.
Good questions
Before you register
Can I bring my spouse or partner?
Yes. Spouses and partners are welcome at the same estimated per-person cost.
Will I be in clinic every day?
No. Our team is large, so members rotate through the clinic during the week, and everyone has free time to explore. You're welcome to book other experiences around Antigua; independent activities and transportation to them are paid on your own.
What dental supplies are provided?
Gloves, Level 3 masks, local anesthetic (Septocaine and lidocaine), operative and finishing burs, polishing supplies, composite, glass ionomer, bond, etch, matrix systems, and a Thermafil obturation system for endo. Please bring your own loupes, scrubs, scrub caps, face shields, and N95 masks if you prefer them.
Is airfare included?
No. You book your own flights into Guatemala City (GUA), arriving February 13 and departing February 20. Send your flight details to Dr. April Dennison and she'll arrange your airport transfer.
Can I arrive early or stay longer?
Yes. Group airport transfers run on February 13 and 20 only, so if you travel outside those dates you'll arrange your own transportation.
What's special about visiting in February?
We'll be in Antigua during Lent. Expect Lenten processions and hand-laid sawdust carpets (alfombras) in the streets, including right in front of Familias. Holy Week in Guatemala is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Will there be a pre-trip meeting?
Yes. We'll hold a Zoom call closer to the trip to walk through the details together.
The invitation
Come serve with us in Antigua
Register with Common Hope to hold your spot on the Elevated GP team.
Reserve your spot →Trip led by Dr. April Dennison in partnership with Common Hope (Familias de Esperanza). Questions? Email [email protected].
