On Sunday, August 12, Bright Now! Dental partnered with Smiles for Everyone Foundation to host a Day of Giving at their Modesto office. Providers and support staff from multiple offices in Northern California traveled many hours to Modesto that morning to provide free dental care to those in need.

As the day progressed, more and more patients expressed their gratitude for the volunteers and the care that they received.

Patient Julia V. was very nervous about having her two young kids with her, but was so thankful to all the volunteers who not only provided care for her teeth, but also watched her kids during her appointment. Julia was in tears as she was checking out after her appointment, and gave everyone hugs in appreciation of their kindness. “[The volunteers] are so great, gentle, helpful and nice! [It was] beyond anything I expected. I can’t wait to tell others,” Julia states.


 

One patient had not seen a dentist since leaving the military twelve years ago. He says, “Everyone between making the appointment over the phone to walking out the door has been so very kind. Thank you for saving me!”

Volunteer providers include Dr. Erick Cuenca from Clovis, Dr. Leng Haong from Fresno, Dr. Nilesh Keshav from Stockton, Dr. Barton Machado from Roseville, Dr. Pawanjeet Pannu from Modesto and Dr. Duff Reed from Stockton, CA. Along with two hygienists and a group of 20 support staff, the team was able to provide care for 44 patients, delivering over $35,000 in donated dentistry.

Smiles for Everyone Foundation will be back in Northern California on November 10 for the Oakland Day of Giving. The next Day of Giving will be held at Bright Now! Dental in Huber Heights, Ohio on August 25. See the full schedule here.

 


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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