Over $80,000 in donated dentistry was provided during a record-breaking Day of Giving in Temecula, California on February 11. With 50 volunteers- including dentists, hygienists, assistants, and front office staff- we were able to deliver Smiles for 80 underserved individuals at the Bright Now! Dental office on Temecula Parkway.

Procedures ranged from a simple cleaning to wisdom teeth extractions, and patients were grateful of the services they received. One gentleman who only had four teeth was so happy to get them cleaned. Others were grateful to finally be free of pain after getting their teeth extracted.

“No words to express my gratuity in helping with my pain and fear of the dentist,” said Karina Buse. She was having severe molar pain but is uninsured and was unable to get the care she needed before this event.

Bianca Tektonopoulous said it was the “best care I’ve ever had. Dr. Fossman was so great.”

Great care goes further than the dental work. Jaquelin Melendrez was grateful for the care she received from the volunteers, but she was most impressed by the enthusiasm and genuine love for the work they were doing. She says, “you guys seem like you really like what you do.” She said everyone was very nice and made her feel comfortable despite not having been to the dentist in over two years.

We look forward to setting a new record in the future! The foundation’s next event will be held at the Bright Now! Dental office in Avondale, Arizona on February 24, 2018.

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

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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