Perfect Smile Dental helped to deliver Smiles for Everyone on a rainy day in Las Vegas, Nevada!

Last Saturday’s weather forecast for Las Vegas predicted rainstorms and cloudy skies. But the volunteers from Smiles for Everyone’s Las Vegas Day of Giving were determined to cast rays of sunshine over all those who stepped into the Perfect Smile Dental office. Nine volunteer dentists and their spirited support staff gathered bright and early on February 2nd to provide low-income individuals with free dental care. Members of the Las Vegas community were informed about the event through our Foundation’s partnerships with local nonprofit organizations, such as Street Teens, an organization that gives guidance to homeless youth, Helping Hands of Las Vegas Valley, a support program for low-income senior citizens, and The Cupcake Girls, a resource center for victims of sex trafficking. With the assistance of these community organizations, the Las Vegas Team expected to provide care for a full schedule’s worth of people in need.

Less than a week before the Day of Giving was set to happen, the Smiles for Everyone Foundation discovered that news about the event had spread like wildfire. People were sharing information with their friends over social media, and several news sources ran stories about the upcoming event on television. The Foundation’s phone lines were ringing off the hook with eager patients hoping to fill the remaining available appointment slots. Those who called too late to receive a guaranteed appointment were placed on a wait list to be notified about any last minute openings. Over 100 people were able to receive care during the Day of Giving, and the Team proudly served over ten hours worth of under-insured patients.

The patients were extremely vocal about how grateful they were for the level of compassion shown to them by the Team. “They were smiling through, even though they were tired,” said Hollie S., who learned about the event from the local news. “I would just like to tell them thank you, and not to worry about the long wait.

Linda C, from the Jewish Family Service Agency wrote to us saying, “The staff is the bomb and humor filled, but also extremely patient, caring, and knowledgeable. I’m a disabled, senior veteran on a budget. This afforded me relief and satisfaction. You’re a blessing to the community! Keep up the good work, and God bless.”

The Smiles for Everyone Foundation would like to give a warm thank you the entire volunteer Team, including Dr. Karla Gutierrez, Dr. Gordon Murray, Dr. Sara Parasido, Dr. Kostika Polena, Dr. Cortnie Sanchez, Dr. Andrew Schneider, Dr. Joel Stokes, Dr. Kathleen Uy, and Dr. Matthew Welebir. Their hard work truly paid off, and as patient Hector M said it, “You made my 2019!”

This Day of Giving was funded by a grant received from the Oral Health Foundation – Pierre Fauchard Academy. Their funds are allowing the Smiles for Everyone Foundation to serve more people in need in 2019.

The next Day of Giving will take place on February 9 in Burleson, Texas. To read more about our past Smile Stories, and to keep up with the work we have planned in the future, click 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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