San Antonio Day of Giving 2019

Monarch Dental Gives San Antonio, Texas Another Reason to Smile!

Volunteers from various Monarch Dental offices gathered early Saturday morning to deliver Smiles for Everyone in Texas! The Team, comprised of nine doctors and their eager support staff, delivered over $40,000 of donated dentistry to the underserved communities of San Antonio. These low-income patients were made aware of our Day of Giving through the Smiles for Everyone Foundation’s partnerships with local nonprofits, such as Arms of Hope, a shelter for women and children; Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, a program designed for underprivileged youth; and SAM Ministries, an organization that supports the homeless population.

Nearly 50 patients were able to receive free x-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions, fluoride treatments and more. For some, the most beneficial experience was learning how to practice better oral hygiene from a licensed professional. Patient Teneisha R., from the Salvation Army, stated, “I feel better educated, and cleaner! I’m proud of you all for extending your business to help those without a dental plan.”

The Smiles for Everyone Foundation would like to give a warm thanks to all of our hardworking volunteers, including Dr. Houssam Alghadban, Dr. Jose Arevalo, Dr. Vanessa Bednarik, Dr. Arthur Bryant, Dr. Marc Ervin, Dr. Taoufik Faddoul, Dr. Edgardo Gonzalez, Dr. Nareej Nagella, and Dr. Robin Schroeder. It is each of their compassion and dedication that provided the San Antonio community with another reason to smile.

The next Day of Giving that the Foundation will be hosting will be in Mesa, Arizona on April 14th. Please visit www.smilesforeveryone.org for more information.

 

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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