Stories & Smiles

Creating healthy futures, one student and one smile at a time.

Smiles for Everyone Foundation proudly launched its 8th international outpost in Rwanda! With Dr. Jesse Wong leading the charge, the team is preparing to deliver dental care to 4,200 students this school break—and build a foundation for long-term impact.

🇷🇼 New Beginnings in Rwanda: SFEF Launches Its 8th International Outpost

🇷🇼 New Beginnings in Rwanda: SFEF Launches Its 8th International Outpost

There’s something powerful about a fresh start—especially when it begins with 4,200 young smiles.

In early 2025, Smiles for Everyone Foundation (SFEF) proudly launched its newest international outpost in Rwanda, marking our 8th global location and our second outpost in Africa.

This milestone represents more than just growth—it’s a bold step toward reaching children in need with professional and compassionate dental care.

Leading the Way: Dr. Jesse Wong

👨‍⚕️ Leading the Way: Dr. Jesse Wong

At the heart of this mission is Dr. Jesse Wong, who, along with his team, has been instrumental in preparing and training the new outpost staff. Their tireless work has paved the way for a meaningful launch focused on service, sustainability, and care.

With thoughtful planning, the team is preparing to serve 4,200 students during the upcoming school break—ensuring that these children receive not only the dental attention they deserve but also the confidence that comes from a healthy smile.

Laying the Foundation for Lifelong Health

🌱 Laying the Foundation for Lifelong Health

The Smiles for Everyone Foundation doesn’t just show up—we stay, train, and empower local dental professionals to continue the work long after our first visit.
This is about building something sustainable. In Rwanda, that means:

  • Training local dentists and volunteers to carry on care
  • Creating consistent access to dental hygiene education
  • Providing real solutions that serve children, families, and communities

A Thank You to Our Partners

🧡 A Thank You to Our Partners

We’re incredibly grateful to Dr. Jesse Wong and the entire Rwanda team for their dedication and passion. This launch wouldn’t be possible without their vision and drive.

With each outpost we open, we grow our mission to bring Smiles for Everyone—and this is only the beginning for Rwanda.

Conclusion

The launch of Smiles for Everyone Rwanda is more than a milestone—it’s a promise of healthier futures for thousands of children. With dedicated leaders like Dr. Jesse Wong and the support of partners and donors, we are building a foundation of care that will last for generations. Together, we’re proving that every child deserves the chance to smile with confidence. 🧡🌍

Table of Contents

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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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