South Gate Day of Giving 2019

Bright Now! Dental Delivers Smiles in Los Angeles!

On Sunday, August 4th, volunteers from Bright Now!® Dental partnered with the Smiles for Everyone Foundation to make a difference in the South LA community. Six doctors joined with their dedicated support staff to provide underinsured patients with free cleanings, fillings, extractions, and more at the South Gate Day of Giving.

Over 50 individuals were referred to the event by local nonprofit organizations. Some of these groups include the Salvation Army Bell Shelter; Project Peacemakers Inc., a domestic violence support organization; and Midnight Mission, a crisis housing center. Not only did these patients receive pro bono services, but they were also treated by a Team of staff that truly respected their concerns.

“It felt like it was a true blessing,” said Patient Breana H. “I came for the opportunity to receive help from those who care the most. They are a gift from Heaven!” In agreement, Carlos R. included, “Congratulations on a very good staff. I thank you for the help, and keep it up!”

The Smiles for Everyone Foundation would like to thank each of the volunteers, including Dr. Hector Jauregui, Dr. Pauline Nguyen, Dr. Derick Pham, Dr. Shorouq Sahawneh, Dr. Avani Shah, and Dr. Tam Ton. It was with their help that the Foundation was able to deliver over $70,000 of donated dentistry to communities in Southern California!

The next Day of Giving that the Foundation is hosting will be at Monarch Dental® in West Valley, UT on August 17th. Please visit www.smilesforeveryone.org for more information.

 

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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