This past weekend, the Chandler team went the extra mile to help those in need! On October 7, 2018, Bright Now! Dental in Chandler, Arizona hosted a Day of Giving event to provide free dental services to underinsured individuals from the surrounding communities. These services can include x-rays, exams, fillings, extractions, cleanings, fluoride treatments, oral cancer screenings, and more.

Patient Krisha B., who had not visited a dentist in years, praised the Chandler team for their acts of kindness: “I’d like to thank all of you for having this event today, I really appreciate what you’ve done for my daughter and me! I feel so good again!”

The Smiles for Everyone Foundation partnered with local non-profits in order to pre-screen and refer patients such as Krisha to the dental clinic. When the Foundation connected with the Phoenix Rescue Mission, a long-term recovery program that also provides housing and support services for individuals overcoming addiction, Pamela Morrison, Community Relationship Officer for Phoenix Rescue Mission, expressed her excitement about the opportunity. She says that the facility relies on community partnerships to provide services for their clients, and that dental care is not something that is offered to them often. Pamela took the opportunity to get her clients their much-needed dental care, and was able to schedule 20 patients for the day.

Leanne Meier, Office Manager of Bright Now! Dental, was also passionate about connecting with the local VA for this Day of Giving. She knows that access to dental care is hard to obtain for veterans, since dental benefits are only provided for those who are considered 100% disabled, and she wanted to give back to those who bravely served our country. Over 20 veterans and their families received services from our volunteers through this event. Leanne noted that after promoting the event to the local VA, community members were calling her office thanking her for providing these services to the local veterans.

Our Day of Giving events would not be possible without help from Smile Brands Inc. affiliated dental offices and local non-profit partners in the community. Volunteer providers at the event included Dr. Mojdeh Anvari, Dr. Braxton Haremza, Dr. Pavan Narla, and hygienists Cheri Beckmann Tucci, Linda Carney, Melinda Evans, Teresa Sundquist, and Coni Waltemeyer.

Overall, the Chandler team served over 50 patients, delivering over $35,000 in donated dentistry. Thanks for your hard work!

     
 

 

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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