A team of 33 affiliated providers and employees from offices in Tennessee gathered at two Nashville Castle Dental offices to give people in need a reason to smile. The one-day event in mid-August not only lifted up some people without access to dental care, it gave the volunteers a renewed sense of purpose.

The local leadership team organized their Day of Giving with the help of the Smiles for Everyone Executive Director Crystal Strait. All patients were pre-screened for need and given their own appointments. Some people had simple exams, x-rays, and cleanings, while others had more extensive treatment, including extractions, restorations and root canal therapy.

Dentists and hygienists, with help from dental assistants and support from non-clinical team members, provided free dental care for people in need who had been referred by local social services organizations.

Volunteer dentists included:  Dr. Christian Bennerman, Oral Surgeon; Dr. Claudette Carrion, Lead Dentist, Murfreesboro; Dr. Tim Mathis, Lead Dentist, Franklin, and PC President/DCC, Tenn.; Dr. William Owens, Lead Dentist, Tullahoma; and Dr. Cheryl Snyder, Lead Dentist, Nashville-Nolensville Rd., and DCC. (Scroll down to see a complete list of volunteers.)

Abundant Gratitude

“I am so excited to be able to enjoy eating again. I have been in extreme pain for years. I can’t thank you enough for giving me this opportunity,” said patient Steven LaBonne.

Patient Debbie Wulforst said, “I am eternally grateful for the care I received today. It’s going to change my life.”

Patient Penny Henson said, “I’m impressed that you have so many people willing to volunteer their time.”

Positive Provider Experiences

The staff noted that some patients touched the dentists’ hearts so deeply that the doctors will be providing them additional treatment, such as root canals and crowns, in the near future.

“It was a pleasure to provide dental services to the local community,” said Dr. Mathis. “I’m proud to know we made a difference for so many people that day and I look forward to hosting another Day of Giving in the future.”

Said Dr. Carrion, “It was great to see the staff from different centers come together and work as a team. It reminds me of my favorite quote: ‘Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.’”

“At my alma mater, Meharry [Medical College, Nashville], our motto is ‘to serve the underserved,” reflects Dr. Bennerman. “I truly believe that improving the lives of our fellow human beings is not monetary, but mandatory. I look forward to the next event.”

  

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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