For a few, it was a day filled with anxiety. But for many others, it was a day to receive a healthy smile and be out of pain.

Just two months after the Bright Now!® Dental Tualatin, Ore., office opened, they recruited 14 volunteers from offices in nearby Beaverton, Hillsboro, Milwaukie and Portland to participate in a “Day of Giving.” At this event – held Saturday, May 16, 2015 – dentists and hygienists, with assistance from support staff members, provided free dental care for people who otherwise might not have been able to afford it.

“It was rewarding to give back to our community,” said Dr. Gita Yitta, Lead Dentist at the Tualatin office. “It’s great knowing we can have such an impact on people’s lives by providing treatment that can improve their oral hygiene.” Dr. Yitta was joined by Dr. Chris Kooning and Dr. Jeff Pearson; together they administered nearly 120 dental procedures, at no charge to the patients.

One young patient who required a front tooth restoration was embarrassed to smile because of her chipped tooth. After her tooth was fixed, while she waited for her sister, she was seen admiring her new smile in various mirrors around the office.

Another patient, Penny Henson, who hadn’t seen a dentist in over 12 years, received a much-needed cleaning and two fillings. “I’m impressed that you have so many people willing to volunteer their time,” she said.

Russell Messersmith, who needed more comprehensive treatment that included a root canal, was excited to get his tooth restored and be pain free. He described the Bright Now! Dental team as generous, knowledgeable, professional, and collaborative.

Bright Now! Dental, through the Smiles for Everyone Foundation, established this “Day of Giving,” arranging for patients in need to be pre-screened by the Tualatin School House Pantry. This gave each patient their own appointment and individualized care where they were offered cleanings, exams and x-rays. If needed, more specialized procedures, such as extractions, restorations and root canals, were performed on the spot.

“This was a pilot event for Bright Now! Dental and the Smiles for Everyone Foundation,” explains SFE Foundation Manager Crystal Strait. “We hope to partner with other affiliated practices to host similar events in the future.”

 

   

Philippines

Rache Macaranas

Administrator

Col. Percy Macaranas

Administrator

Operating from two locations (Mindanao and Luzon), the Philippines team bring dental care to those most in need, including PDLs (Persons Deprived of Liberty) in city jails and remote tribes like T’boli tribe that often require seven hours or more of travel over rough roads to reach them.

Laos

Dr. Sonexay Kounlavong

Lead Dentist

Good Begin

Administrator

Though they faced economic challenges and massive regional flooding in 2024, the Laos team worked hard to serve their community, including students attending a monastary. This outpost was organically developed by the Thai team, and the two regularly do outreach together.

Rwanda

Dr. Jesse Wong

Lead Dentist

Launched in January 2025, our newest outpost is led by Dr. Jesse Wong, a Canadian dentist who has lived in Rwanda for 10+ years.

With just two dentists for every 100,000 people in the country, the team is gearing up to treat over 4,000 people in their first year of operation, meeting serious needs in the region, where tooth decay in up to 50% of children is due to high levels of fluoride in the drinking water.

Thailand

Dr. Wata Siyootagrai

Lead Dentist

Narissara (Oh) Jearajetchai

Administrator

Working tirelessly to build partnerships and expand operations, our Thailand outpost has served schools, communities and remote tribes.

In 2024, they have placed their focus to serving refugees from Myanmar, the homeless, children in orphanages, and sex workers—those who have the least access to dental care.

Ghana

Dr. Tinuola Esther Mark

Lead Dentist

Kwesi Oduro-Korankye

Administrator

Ghana won the 2024 Outpost of the Year Award for its outstanding work. By partnering with the Ghana Health Service, this outpost has recruited and assigned dentists to each district of the Ashanti region, ensuring comprehensive care.

Paraguay

Judah Mooney

Director, Diaconia

Pablo Ortiz

Administrator

Dr. Andrea Lopez

Lead Dentist

Paraguay was our first outpost, and began with one doctor serving once a month.


Today, the Paraguay team operates a mobile clinic, partners with dentists at their clinics, and runs a program at Guternburg School.

Central America

Dr. Reyes

Lead Administrator

A dedicated team of volunteer dentists provide much-needed care to communities in need. This year, the outpost partnered with a youth organization, offering services and education to children and adolescents who otherwise don’t have access to dental care.

Mexico

Jesus Perez

Director

Using innovative strategies and technology to increase efficiency and overcome barriers, the Mexico outpost is connected with key universities in the area to collaborate with dental school students.



The team also opened a Smiles Dental Consultation Room for patients who need follow-up from the larger outreaches.

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