Stories & Smiles

Smiles for Everyone Foundation — delivering hope, one smile at a time.

When floods devastated Chiang Mai, the SFEF Thailand team stayed behind to provide dental care to those in desperate need. Honored as the Henry Schein Cares Story of the Year, this act of courage and compassion shows the power of showing up—even in the darkest moments.

🌍 A Light in the Darkness: SFEF Thailand’s Inspiring Response to Historic Flooding

🌍 A Light in the Darkness: SFEF Thailand’s Inspiring Response to Historic Flooding

In the face of disaster, heroes rise. In September 2024, when the city of Chiang Mai, Thailand, experienced its most devastating flood in 50 years, many organizations had to pause operations—but not the Smiles for Everyone Foundation (SFEF) Thailand Outpost.

Instead of stepping back, our dedicated dental team stepped forward.

Despite the chaos and destruction, the SFEF Thailand team stayed in the heart of the crisis to continue providing dental care to some of the most vulnerable communities—homeless individuals, sex workers, and slum children who had nowhere else to turn. One patient described the SFEF team as “a light in the darkness,” a powerful reminder of the impact that compassionate, professional care can make in people’s lives—even during disaster.

 

Honoring Bravery and Compassion​

Honoring Bravery and Compassion

To recognize this selfless commitment, Henry Schein Cares honored our Thailand team with the Henry Schein Cares Story of the Year Award. This powerful story isn’t just about dentistry—it’s about human dignity, hope, and the courage to show up when people need it most.

Expanding Global Reach with Critical Supplies​

Expanding Global Reach with Critical Supplies

And the mission doesn’t stop there. With generous support from Henry Schein Cares, Smiles for Everyone Foundation recently coordinated its first international shipment of vital dental supplies. These included dental units, hand instruments, and consumables—everything our global teams need to keep serving with excellence.

The first shipment is now en route to Rwanda, where our dental teams are preparing to treat over 4,200 students this summer. And next up: Ghana.

Thanks to partnerships like these, we’re able to respond quickly to urgent needs and reach even more patients around the world.

 

Why it matters

Why It Matters

Every smile restored is a life uplifted. Your support helps us:

  • Deliver urgent dental care in crisis zones
  • Equip teams with life-saving tools and supplies
  • Bring hope and healing to those who feel forgotten

Conclusion

The story of SFEF Thailand reminds us that true impact goes beyond dentistry—it’s about showing up with compassion, resilience, and hope when the world feels darkest. With the continued support of partners and donors, we can keep shining this light, delivering care where it’s needed most, and bringing smiles to communities around the globe. 💛🌍

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.

X