Stories & Smiles

SFEF Rwanda — restoring hope, confidence, and smiles for the next generation.

In Rwanda, young adults like Frank and Lina are receiving dental care for the first time through Smiles for Everyone Foundation (SFEF) and Africa New Life Ministries. Their stories reveal how access to a dentist can restore hope, confidence, and the possibility of a brighter future.

Restoring Hope Through Smiles: Life-Changing Dental Care in Rwanda

Restoring Hope Through Smiles: Life-Changing Dental Care in Rwanda

For many young people in Rwanda, access to a dentist is not guaranteed—it’s a rare opportunity.

Through the partnership between Smiles for Everyone Foundation (SFEF) and Africa New Life Ministries, children and young adults are gaining access to something life-changing: essential dental care, renewed confidence, and hope for a brighter future.

At the heart of this work is a simple belief—local communities make the difference. And through trusted partnerships, SFEF is able to reach those who have long gone without care.

Frank’s Story – From Pain to Possibility

Frank’s Story – From Pain to Possibility

In the Kageyo A community, Kamanzi Frank, now 19, has carried the burden of dental pain for years.

Sponsored through Africa New Life since Primary 3, Frank lived with persistent tooth pain and recurring infections—conditions worsened by poor water quality in his area. Without access to professional dental care, the pain became part of his everyday life.

Over time, it affected more than just his health.

Frank rarely smiled. He became more withdrawn, and his confidence quietly faded.

But this year, everything changed.

For the first time in his life, Frank was able to meet with a dentist.

During his visit, he learned that while the treatment he needs may be costly, it is possible. That moment brought something he hadn’t felt in a long time—hope.

“I don’t smile much because of my teeth, but now I have hope that they can be healed.”

For Frank, this wasn’t just a dental appointment—it was the beginning of believing in a different future.

Lina’s Story – A Moment of Care and Gratitude

Lina’s Story – A Moment of Care and Gratitude

In the Bugesera community, Karenzi Lina, 18, experienced a similar breakthrough.

Sponsored since 2022, Lina had been struggling with swollen gums—making her first dental visit both urgent and deeply meaningful.

For Lina, meeting a dentist wasn’t just about treatment—it was a powerful reminder that she had not been forgotten.

In Rwanda, dental care is often financially out of reach. Receiving care at no cost brought both relief and overwhelming gratitude.

She left the visit feeling seen, supported, and encouraged.

“Not everyone in Rwanda gets to see a dentist, and I consider it such a blessing that I do.”

Access That Changes Everything

Access That Changes Everything

Stories like Frank’s and Lina’s highlight a critical reality: without access to dental care, pain becomes normal—and hope can fade.

But when a trusted dentist becomes accessible, everything shifts:

  • Pain is addressed
  • Confidence begins to return
  • Health improves
  • Futures feel possible again

Why It Matters

Why It Matters

Your support helps us:

  • Provide access to essential dental care in underserved communities
  • Restore confidence and dignity to young people in need
  • Partner with local organizations to create lasting impact
  • Reach individuals who have never had the opportunity to see a dentist

Conclusion

Conclusion

The stories of Frank and Lina remind us that access to dental care is more than a service—it’s a turning point. It restores hope, rebuilds confidence, and opens the door to a brighter future. With the continued support of partners and donors, Smiles for Everyone Foundation (SFEF) will keep

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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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