Having traveled multiple times to do dental work in Guatemala, we recently had the opportunity to visit San Martin Chiquito, in the highlands of Guatemala to do some volunteer work in the Xela-Aid dental clinic. Our previous two visits to Guatemala were with the Open Wide Foundation through the Spear organization, however, following COVID, the Open Wide clinics were no longer functioning, so we were excited to learn about Xela-Aid and their clinic in a small Mayan village near Queztaltenango, Guatemala. The word Xela (pronounced "SHAY-lah") is a shortened form of the ancient Mayan name Xelajú which means “under the ten mountains” in the Kʼicheʼ Maya language. Today, both locals and visitors commonly refer to Quetzaltenango as Xela. The name reflects the city's strong indigenous heritage and its cultural significance in the Guatemalan highlands.
Xela‑AID (also known as Local Hope Guatemala) is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering underserved families in the Guatemalan Highlands. In the rural highlands of Guatemala, access to healthcare—especially dental care—is limited. That’s where Xela-AID steps in. Founded in 1992, Xela-AID's mission is to support underserved families in becoming healthy, educated, and self-reliant. |
| Xela-AID clinic (yellow), Montessori School & EcoLodge (white) |
What makes Xela-AID unique is its long-term, community-based model. Rather than offering temporary relief, the organization builds partnerships and infrastructure to promote lasting change. From scholarships and literacy programs to sanitation systems and medical care, Xela-AID offers comprehensive support to families in San Martín Chiquito and surrounding villages.
For healthcare professionals, especially those in the fields of medicine, optometry, mental health, and dentistry, there are specific opportunities to serve in the organization’s medical clinic. Volunteers help deliver essential services, train local staff, and expand the clinic’s reach and impact.
Xela-AID offers a range of volunteer opportunities—both on-site in Guatemala and remotely from home. Volunteers participate in education programs, construction projects, and health initiatives. Xela-AID provides organized volunteer trips with unique, local experiences as well as customized opportunities to serve what may work best with your schedule.
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| Dr. Jason Hales in the dental clinic |
Xela-AID’s clinic offers weekly dental services, thanks to a mix of visiting and local providers. Services include exams, cleanings, fillings, and extractions. Equally important is the preventive work: volunteers help educate children and families on basic oral hygiene and distribute toothbrushes, toothpaste, and soap as part of the organization’s hygiene and health education program.
Dental professionals who volunteer with Xela-AID have the opportunity to provide treatment, introduce new techniques, support preventive education, and mentor staff. It’s a direct way to address an urgent need while building local capacity for ongoing care.
One of the most distinctive features of Xela-AID’s approach is how seamlessly it integrates healthcare, education, and community engagement in a single location.
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| Volunteers at the Montessori School |
This school gives local children access to high-quality early learning—something rare in rural Guatemala. It also allows parents, many of whom are receiving care or participating in Xela-AID’s training programs, to bring their children to a safe and nurturing environment each day.
To support its growing network of volunteers and visitors, Xela-AID has also developed comfortable on-site housing. Whether you’re a healthcare professional traveling to staff the clinic, a teacher volunteering in the school, or a donor coming to see the impact firsthand, Xela-AID’s lodging provides a welcoming home base.
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| Dr. Paul Kelly visiting the Co-Op store |
One of the most unique features is the Eco-Lodge, located on the third floor of the school building. This thoughtfully designed space offers private accommodations and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and farmland. More than just a place to sleep, the Eco-Lodge provides a rare opportunity to live in the heart of a working Mayan community—sharing meals, walking the same paths, and engaging with neighbors as part of daily life. All meals can be provided on-site and prepared by local women using authentic Mayan recipes and ingredients. Meals are healthy, flavorful, and thoughtfully made, offering guests a chance to experience the local culture through its cuisine.
Guests often describe their stay at the Eco-Lodge as one of the most meaningful aspects of their service trip. It’s not just immersive—it’s deeply grounding and reflective of Xela-AID’s model: working with, not just for, the communities they serve.
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| Dr. Morris Oswald |
Opportunities for meaningful service abound at Xela-AID. Whether your background is in healthcare, education, construction, or community outreach, your time and talents can make a lasting difference. One of the areas of greatest ongoing need is the dental clinic, where volunteers—especially dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants—can provide critical care that is otherwise unavailable in the region. Even a short trip can have a profound impact on the oral health and well-being of the local population.
To learn more about how you can get involved, visit xelaaid.org, or for more information about dental trips contact Dr. Michael Johnson, who can help guide you through the volunteer process. For those unable to travel, Xela-AID also welcomes support through fundraising, administrative help, and program sponsorships.
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| Market at San Juan Ostuncalco |
