Olympia Day of Giving 2017

Our Olympia Day of Giving was a fantastic event focused on providing pro bono dental services for veterans and their dependents. Over 40 volunteers from nine area Bright Now! Dental Locations gathered at the Olympia, WA office on Saturday, September 23rd to deliver Smiles for Veterans. Nearly all the volunteers were either veterans or were from military families, and they understand how difficult it can be for veterans to access care.

“Today we were able to use our skills to give back to men and women who have dedicated their lives to keeping our country safe,” explained Dr. Ashifa Nurani, Director of Clinical Care for Bright Now! Dental. “I have never been prouder to work with this incredible team and to be part of a company where we live our vision every day.”

As the day progressed, stories emerged from the many veterans receiving care. From the 93 year old receiving the first dental care of his life to the disabled veteran suffering from a painful chronic infection, participants were very grateful for the care they received.

“It’s really hard for veterans to get this kind of care. Unless you are 100% disabled, you don’t get dental benefits. Even with my disability, the care they provide isn’t great,” said disabled veteran Carlos Mullen. “I’m so grateful for the dental care I received today, and for my two daughters too.”

Our next Day of Giving event will be held at the Newport Dental location in Orange, California on October 22, 2017.

                     

         

 

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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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