Stories & Smiles

When the plan changes, the mission stays the same—restoring smiles everywhere.

When a nationwide ban on tooth extractions hit the Philippines in early 2025, SFEF didn’t slow down—we pivoted to dental restorations, helping patients keep their natural smiles while receiving compassionate, professional care.

Turning Challenges into Smiles: SFEF Philippines Pivots to Dental Restorations

🇵🇭 Turning Challenges into Smiles: SFEF Philippines Pivots to Dental Restorations

Sometimes, change brings unexpected blessings.

In January 2025, the Ministry of Health in the Philippines issued a nationwide ban on tooth extractions. For the Smiles for Everyone Foundation (SFEF) Philippines outpost, this was a significant shift—extractions were a common and critical part of our treatment plans for patients in need.

But instead of letting this slow our mission, our team pivoted. And in doing so, we found a new way to bring hope and smiles.

From Removing Pain to Restoring Smiles

🦷 From Removing Pain to Restoring Smiles

With extractions off the table, our dentists and volunteers shifted their focus to dental restorations—procedures that repair and save damaged teeth instead of removing them. This change not only maintained the quality of care but, in many cases, gave patients something even more valuable: the ability to keep their natural smile.


Patients who expected to leave without a tooth walked away with it restored, pain-free, and functional—proof that dental care can heal more than just the body; it can restore dignity and confidence too.

Resilience in Action

💡 Resilience in Action

This pivot reflects what SFEF is all about:

  • Adaptability when challenges arise
  • Professional, compassionate dental care in every circumstance
  • A commitment to delivering smiles, no matter the obstacles

Why Your Support Matters

🌟 Why Your Support Matters

The extractions ban could have meant fewer people helped. Instead, your ongoing support allowed our teams to:

  • Acquire the tools and materials needed for restorations
  • Train staff on updated care approaches
  • Continue serving patients without disruption

Conclusion

The extractions ban could have been a setback—but instead, it became an opportunity to bring even greater impact. By shifting to restorations, the SFEF Philippines team not only preserved smiles but also strengthened dignity, hope, and confidence in the communities we serve. With your continued support, we’ll keep adapting, innovating, and proving that no challenge is too great when the mission is to deliver Smiles for Everyone. 🔄💛

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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