Dende is a Namekian who takes the role of the Earth's god after Kami fuses with Piccolo. He is first introduced in the Namek Saga when Son Gohan and Kuririn save him from Dodoria. He gets his power unlocked by their elder, giving him the power to heal. He aids the warriors during the fight with Freeza until he is killed by the tyrant. After being revived by Shenlong, he lives on New Namek until Son Goku can teleport there during the Cell Saga to ask a Namekian to become the new God of Earth and revive the Dragon Balls. Dende accepts, and continues to serve as the God throughout the rest of the series.

(Source: Wikipedia)