Stories & Smiles

SFEF Laos — nurturing healthy smiles and brighter futures for every child.

In Laos, Smiles for Everyone Foundation (SFEF) is bringing essential dental care to students in need while supporting families facing extreme poverty. At Muang Noy Secondary School, eight students received life-changing treatment and critical support—restoring health, confidence, and hope for the future.

Building Brighter Smiles in Laos: Bringing Dental Care and Hope to Students in Need

Building Brighter Smiles in Laos: Bringing Dental Care and Hope to Students in Need

Hope is growing—one smile at a time.

As Smiles for Everyone Foundation (SFEF) enters the final months of 2025, the impact of its work in Laos continues to expand. In communities where access to a professional dentist is limited, SFEF remains committed to delivering high-quality dental care to students who need it most—helping them live healthier lives and smile with confidence.

For many children in rural Laos, untreated dental issues are more than discomfort—they affect their ability to learn, eat, and thrive. That’s why SFEF’s mission goes beyond treatment. It’s about restoring dignity and creating opportunity through access to safe, professional dental care.

Reaching Students in Urgent Need

Reaching Students in Urgent Need

At Muang Noy Secondary School, home to more than 400 students, SFEF identified eight students living in extreme poverty. These students face daily challenges—not only in maintaining their health, but in meeting basic needs like food and school attendance.

Recognizing the urgency, the SFEF Laos team stepped in to provide immediate support.

Responding with Compassion Beyond Dental Care

Responding with Compassion Beyond Dental Care

In addition to delivering essential dental treatment, SFEF provided food supplies—including eggs—and other household necessities to help support the families of these students.

Because sometimes, the most urgent need isn’t just access to a dentist—it’s ensuring a child has the stability to keep showing up.

By addressing both health and basic living conditions, SFEF is creating a more holistic impact—meeting people where they are and responding with compassion.

Restoring Health, Confidence, and Dignity

Restoring Health, Confidence, and Dignity

We are grateful to share that all eight students have already received comprehensive dental care through the SFEF program. Access to a trusted dentist has not only improved their oral health—it has restored confidence and renewed hope for their future.

This is the power of timely, professional care.

Investing in the Future

Investing in the Future

Looking ahead, SFEF Laos hopes to extend its support through ongoing educational assistance—helping these students remain in school and continue building toward a brighter future.

Because when a child is healthy, supported, and encouraged, everything changes.

Conclusion

Conclusion

The work of Smiles for Everyone Foundation (SFEF) in Laos is a reminder that true impact goes beyond dental care—it’s about meeting urgent needs, restoring dignity, and investing in the next generation. With continued support from partners and donors, we can keep reaching students in need, delivering compassionate care, and building brighter smiles that last a lifetime.

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Costa Rica

Also launched in January 2026, the Costa Rica outpost is building relationships with local providers and organizations to support access to quality dental care. The team is currently focused on infrastructure setup, collaboration opportunities, and planning initial clinical outreaches.

Zambia

Set to launch in October 2026, the Zambia outpost is in its planning phase, with an emphasis on community engagement and long-term sustainability. Preparations include identifying local partners, securing resources, and developing outreach strategies to address significant unmet dental needs

Zimbabwe

Launched in January 2026, the Zimbabwe outpost is focused on establishing local partnerships and assessing community needs to deliver sustainable dental care. Early efforts center on equipment support, volunteer coordination, and laying the groundwork for future outreach programs in underserved communities.

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

Shirley Grissetti

Administrator

Dr. Paulina Sanchez

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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