Stories & Smiles

SFEF Thailand — shaping the future of dentistry through service and partnership.

Through a powerful partnership with Khon Kaen University Faculty of Dentistry, Smiles for Everyone Foundation (SFEF) Thailand is delivering essential dental care to underserved communities while training the next generation of dentists. This collaboration is creating lasting impact—bringing care, hope, and brighter smiles across Thailand.

Shaping the Future of Dental Care in Thailand: A Partnership Bringing Smiles to Communities in Need

Shaping the Future of Dental Care in Thailand: A Partnership Bringing Smiles to Communities in Need

Real impact happens when compassion meets collaboration.

Smiles for Everyone Foundation (SFEF) Thailand is deeply grateful for its ongoing partnership with the Khon Kaen University Faculty of Dentistry—a collaboration that continues to expand access to high-quality dental care for underserved communities across Thailand.

In areas where access to a professional dentist is limited, this partnership is doing more than providing treatment—it’s restoring dignity, building confidence, and creating lasting change.

A Partnership Rooted in Service and Excellence

A Partnership Rooted in Service and Excellence

Through mobile outreach clinics, faculty clinicians and dental students work side by side with the SFEF team to deliver essential dental care to children and families who might otherwise go without.

This collaboration blends:

  • Academic excellence
  • Clinical expertise
  • A shared heart for service

 

The result is powerful—communities receiving safe, professional dental care, often for the first time.

Reaching Communities That Need It Most

Reaching Communities That Need It Most

For many patients, these outreach clinics eliminate one of the biggest barriers to care: access.

Instead of traveling long distances to find a dentist, families can receive treatment directly within their communities—making dental care more accessible, timely, and impactful.

Each visit helps address urgent needs while also improving long-term oral health outcomes.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Dentists

Inspiring the Next Generation of Dentists

Beyond immediate patient care, this partnership is shaping the future of dentistry in Thailand.

By involving students in real-world outreach, the program instills values that go far beyond the classroom:

  • Compassionate care
  • Humanitarian dentistry
  • Community service

 

These experiences are forming a new generation of dentists who are not only skilled—but deeply committed to serving others.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Impact in 2026

Looking Ahead: Expanding Impact in 2026

The mission continues to grow.

Smiles for Everyone Thailand and the Khon Kaen University Faculty of Dentistry are preparing for a mobile dental outreach in August 2026, with plans to reach even more communities in need.

With each initiative, the impact multiplies—bringing hope and healing to more families across the region.

Why It Matters

Why It Matters

Your support helps us:

  • Deliver essential dental care to underserved communities
  • Train and inspire future dentists through hands-on outreach
  • Expand access to safe, professional dental services
  • Build sustainable partnerships that create long-term impact

Conclusion

Conclusion

The partnership between Smiles for Everyone Foundation (SFEF) Thailand and the Khon Kaen University Faculty of Dentistry is a powerful example of what’s possible when knowledge meets compassion. Together, they are not only treating patients—they are shaping the future of dental care, inspiring the next generation, and bringing hope to communities in need. With continued support, this impact will only continue to grow—one smile at a time.

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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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