Orlando Day of Giving 2018

On Saturday, June 2, 2018, volunteers from many Smile Brands affiliated offices around Florida came together for a Day of Giving at Bright Now! Dental in Orlando, Florida. Fifty individuals in need from the Orlando community received free dental care from these volunteers, totaling over $40,000 in donated dentistry. Procedures provided include cleanings, fillings, oral cancer screenings, extractions, and sealants.

“We saw 50 patients and they were all so very grateful not only for the treatment they were receiving but for the compassion they felt from all the volunteers,” said Ana Vazquez, Smile Brands Inc.’s Director of Market Operations for Central Florida, who was in attendance at the Day of Giving. “I am very proud to be part of such a wonderful team and organization!”

Many patients expressed their sincerest gratitude for the care and compassion they received from the volunteer dentists and support staff. “Thank you so much for making my smile much brighter,” said patient Stacey Hutton. Patient Paula Lamoreaux said she was “completely in awe of how selfless all the volunteers were who came today.”

Wanda Golden had not seen a dentist in over 7 years. She heard about the clinic at the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, and was very thankful and appreciative of this event. When Dr. Alexander Duque took a look at Wanda’s teeth, he noticed that she needed much more work than a simple cleaning, filling, or extraction. Dr. Duque decided that he wanted to bring Wanda back to his office at a later date to do more extensive work free of charge, to which Wanda was so excited and overwhelmed that she began to cry.

Other providers who volunteered their time at the Orlando Day of Giving include Dr. Gregorio Aquino, Dr. Elodie Epane-Kamdem, Dr. Angel Rivera, and Dr. Gemma Velez. Dr. Rivera will also be providing extensive pro-bono work for another patient through Smiles for Everyone Foundation’s Smile Makeover program.

Smiles for Everyone Foundation will be back in Central Florida for another Day of Giving next year. Please check out our website and follow our Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram accounts to stay up to date on current and future programs.

   
   

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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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