Stories & Smiles

No obstacle too big. No smile too small. Smiles for Everyone Foundation is always on the move.

Despite vehicle mishaps and missing gear, SFEF’s dental care team in Maneadero, Baja Mexico, pushed through to serve the community with heart. Rick Gossen and Dr. Gordy saw the impact firsthand—and we’re just getting started.

Smiles in Baja: Overcoming Obstacles to Deliver Dental Care in Mexico

🇲🇽 Smiles in Baja: Overcoming Obstacles to Deliver Dental Care in Mexico

It takes more than equipment and a clinic to make a difference—it takes heart, grit, and a deep commitment to serve.


On Saturday, March 1st, the Smiles for Everyone Foundation (SFEF) community dental program in Maneadero, Baja Mexico, welcomed special visitors: Rick Gossen and Dr. Gordy. Their visit was a powerful reminder of the incredible work happening on the ground—and the challenges our teams overcome every day to bring care to those who need it most.

Serving in the Face of Adversity

🦷 Serving in the Face of Adversity

Delivering free dental care in underserved areas isn’t always smooth. During this visit alone, the team faced:

  • Flat tires
  • Minor vehicle accidents
  • Missing equipment


But even with these setbacks, the SFEF Mexico team stayed focused. Because when it comes to dental care for families hit hardest by poverty, giving up is never an option.

Growing Impact, One Community at a Time

🌟 Growing Impact, One Community at a Time

Our work in Mexico continues to expand, reaching more people each year. From children in need of their first cleaning to adults who haven’t seen a dentist in decades, the smiles we restore are real—and life-changing.


We’re proud to report that our free dental programs are growing, powered by dedicated volunteers, compassionate leaders, and generous donors who make it all possible.

A Visit That Inspires

📸 A Visit That Inspires

Rick Gossen and Dr. Gordy saw firsthand the impact of our programs—where smiles are shared, fears are eased, and futures are brightened. Their visit not only encouraged the team but also highlighted the importance of continued support from the global SFEF community.

Why it matters

Why It Matters

Your support helps us:

  • Bring dental care to low-income and forgotten communities
  • Provide urgent care in challenging environments
  • Show up for those with nowhere else to turn

Conclusion

The work in Baja Mexico proves that no challenge can stand in the way of compassion. From flat tires to missing equipment, our teams press on—because every smile restored is worth the effort. With your support, Smiles for Everyone Foundation will continue to reach communities others might overlook, turning obstacles into opportunities and hope into brighter futures. 🚐💛

Table of Contents

Read More Stories

More Stories

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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