Volunteers extend their hearts to over 60 patients at the Holiday Day of Giving!

Volunteers across Bright Now! Dental offices in West Florida extended their hearts well beyond Valentine’s Day at the February 16th  Day of Giving. Seven doctors, four hygienists, and their dedicated support staff gathered at Bright Now! Dental to remind under-served members of their communities just how much they are cared for. Patients were referred to this heartfelt Day of Giving by local nonprofit organizations, such as Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay, Bay Area Youth Services Florida, and The Grow Group, and employment assistance program. Over 60 individuals were on the receiving end of compassion as the Team donated $40,000 in much needed dentistry. Services included checkups, cleanings, oral cancer screenings, fluoride treatments, fillings, extractions, and more.

Many of the patients couldn’t believe how warmly they were treated during their visits. “I have never been as welcomed into a doctor’s office as they made me feel,” remarked patient Jacqueline H. “Thank you for your overall kindness!” Another patient, who chose to keep their identity anonymous, agreed with Jacqueline by saying, “You all were amazing! You made me so comfortable that I left feeling like family.”

The Smiles for Everyone Foundation would like to thank the entire Holiday Team for all of their hard work and impeccable care. With the help of the fantastic volunteers, we were able to succeed in delivering Smiles for Everyone®!

   

 

 

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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