Frequently asked questions
Is Africa safe?
Yes, GFDHA takes every necessary precaution to ensure the safety of our volunteers.
Where will volunteers stay during the mission trip?
GFDHA volunteers reside in a compound mission house.
Can my spouse volunteer if he has no dental experience?
Yes, no experience required to volunteer.
Can children participate in mission trips?
Yes. Children ages 17-and below can participate, however, they should be accompanied by an adult. We highly discourage traveling with children under 5-years of age.
Can my spouse and I have a private room during the mission trip?
Yes, private rooms are available at additional cost.
How many volunteers share one room?
Three volunteers occupy one room
Does males and females share the same room?
No, males and females have separate rooms.
Does the compound mission house have a bathroom and shower?
Yes, there are two shower stalls and two bathrooms in the compound mission house.
What if I don’t like the local African foods?
There are restaurants near that have traditional American foods; chicken, burger, fries, rice, etc.
How much should I plan to spend for lunch and dinner?
Average food pricing ranges from $7.00 and up per meal (local dishes).
Can I wash my clothes during the mission trip?
It is recommended to bring enough clothes to last throughout the duration of the 7-day mission trip.
Will I have phone and internet services during the mission trip?
Phone and Internet services are available with your current cellular device with the removal of your SIM card to replace with a local SIM card (very inexpensive). We highly encourage volunteers to download the free communications app (WhatsApp-Free) to keep in touch with family and friends; available for IPhone and Android. (GFDHA has local SIM cards available to volunteers during the 7-day mission trip – at volunteers request at no charge)
If I decide to extend my stay for more tourism, where will I stay and how much will it cost.
Volunteers are welcome to reside in the compound mission house for extended stay at no additional cost; however, breakfast and in-country transportation will be at the expense of the volunteer.
How many patients will we serve each day?
GFDHA outreach programs generally serve 300 to 500 patients per day.
Can volunteers take breaks?
Volunteers can take as many breaks as needed; for whatever duration needed. However, the entire team takes a 45mins to 1-hour break for lunch.
How long is each working day?
GFDHA outreach projects start at 9 A.M and ends at 4:00 P.M.
How is the weather in Africa?
The climate of Ghana is tropical and there are two main seasons: the wet and the dry seasons. North Ghana experiences its rainy season from April to mid-October while South Ghana experiences its rainy season from March to mid-November. June daily high temperatures are 84°F, rarely falling below 81°F or exceeding 89°F. Please consider bringing a rain jacket.
Can I use tap water to brush my teeth?
No, bottled water is recommended for drinking and teeth brushing.
How will GFDHA know when to pick volunteers up from the airport?
Volunteers are asked to email airfare itineraries to Felicia Williams (Director) @ felicia@gfdha.org after purchasing. GFDHA teammates will meet all volunteers at the Kotoka International Airport (Ghana). Teammates will be holding a sign that displays organization’s name and volunteer’s name. Example: GFDHA (organization) Felicia Williams (volunteer)
What if my connecting flight is delayed and my flight does not arrive at the expected time?
GFDHA ask that each volunteer communicates with GFDHA teammate via WhatsApp if delays are expected. GFDHA teammates will also be in contact with expected airline.