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Smiles Without Borders
Making Dental Treatment and Education Available to Children in Developing Countries.
Projects:
Testimonials:
Sonrisas sin Fronteras grew out of a vision in 1998 by the Rotary Club of Loveland, Colorado to provide on-going dental care for peoples living in remote areas of the world. With the support and encouragement of the Rotary club, Sonrisas grew in experience and stature. In 2009, Sonrisas sin Fronteras became an independent, 501c(3) tax-exempt foundation. Since 1998, many successful projects have been completed. Today, there are tremendous demands for the unique services of this organiztion. The vision for improved world health is limited only by the financial resources to accomplish this objective.
MEXICO YESTERDAY & TODAY
Our initial Sonrisas venture to provide free care to children was tested in Tehuacan, Mexico. In previous years we had developed a strong friendship and discovered a competent leadership base among the community leaders of the city who were eager to implement the Sonrisas model for children's dental health. A preliminary screening found a high degree of dental disease and an absence of treatment. But first it was important to determine whether it would be viable to place clinics within the walls of a public school, and what problematic issues might arise. It became apparent very quickly that the parents and schools were very enthusiastic and problems were minimal.
Beginning with one, the clinics and number of dentists grew quickly. This year, 9 clinics are staffed with 18 dentists and will treat 3000 children. Each child is seen an average of 5 visits in order to complete a treatment plan. The average cost of the plan is $18 USD per child.
Sonrisas clinics provide newly-graduated national dentists an opportunity to gain valuable experience, and to serve their one-year commitment of social service using state-of-the-art equipment in pleasant surroundings . . . a win/win/win experience for all.
Testimonials from parents of children treated in Tehuacan schools:
I could not have paid for a dentist for my son because of the great need for help and it would have cost too much. Thanks to the Sonriss sin Fronteras program, Pepe can now smile without embarrassment. This has been a blessing for us. Truthfully, thank you
Sra. Martha Hernandez
Thanks to the treatment of the dentists of Sonrisas sin Fronteras my daughter's teeth are now healthy. I knew that her dental problems were grave. I hope this program stays in this school and all the public schools because it is a priceless help to the parents and children who can take advantage of it.
Sr. Ofelia Lopez Lara
I wish this program had been here years back so that my other children would have received the dental treatment and education that is now being offered to my daughter, Karlita. They had many dental problems and at times it was impossible to take them to a dentist because of the costs. You do not know how thankful I am that you are here now.
Sr. Emilio Galeano
In 2006, the Sonrisas team accomplished the nearly-impossible by constructing 124 high-quality, full dentures for 62 needy people in the village of Ocotal, Nicaragua. This unique project may be a first of its kind. Full sets of teeth were constructed in a clinical and laboratory field unit, without the benefit of a commercial laboratory. To accomplish this, the Sonrisas team was enlarged by adding dentists, technicians, and volunteers. Although it took months of planning and acquiring the necesssary equipment and supplies, the actual clinic was accomplished in only 10 days.
Testimonials from Nicaragua
Getting a set of beautiful teeth was better than winning the lottery. If I had won the lottery I still would not have teeth! Thank you, Thank you!
From a happy denture patient in Ocotal, Nicaragua
In October 2009, representatives from Smiles Without Borders made an exploratory trip to Kenya. The mission had two important goals: The first, to deliver a gift from this foundation of much-needed dental equipment and supplies to Tenwek Hospital in Western Kenya. The second goal was to determine the level of dental health of children attending government schools.
The Smiles Without Borders model has the potential of making a significant impact in the method of dental care delivery to children in elementary schools of Kenya. Negotiations with the government and dental universities continue as we search for adequate funding for the project.
Testimonials from Africa
Thank you "Smiles." We appreciated your genuine encouragement to us concerning the ministry at Tenwek Hospital. We have been using the unit daily in our clinic for fillings, scaling, disimpaction of buried wisdom teeth, crown preparations and any other procedure that require drills and compressed air. The unit is a workhorse. Your contribution has significantly improved our ability to go out to the community where the patients are. After seeing what a difference we can make with the portable unit and chair, it is my prayer that it will be possible to have a similar program to what you have in Mexico right here in Kenya. Many children in rural settings have multiple dental caries yet they have no access to quality oral health care. A program that includes qualified dental personnel and necessary equipment will make a significant difference in the health of communities in our rural areas if it is regular. I pray that we will have a program that will allow longer contact with the oral health care providers. I believe where there is a will there is a way.
Dr. Peter Kuyaya,
Tenwek Hospital, Kenya
One does not have to travel beyond our country's borders to find great numbers of people in need of dental care. In relatively affluent northern Colorado there are those in the economic shadows who cannot afford the cost of dental tretment.
With the assistance of several community organizations, Smiles Without Borders opened a temporary, free denture clinic in Fort Collins, Colorado called 3rd Chance. Twenty-one patients were identified who silently were suffering with pain of infected teeth, or who had no teeth. Forty-two units of full dentures were constructed in 10 clinical days.
Improved function and appearance helped these people restore their health and hope. . . some with new-found confidence would find jobs. The value of the services provided by the free clinic were over $60,000, and when surgical preparation is added, the total patient value amounted to almost $100,000.
Testimonials from Colorado USA
This is me with Dr.Schilling showing off my brand new smile. Because of the medicine I was taking for my MS, my mouth was full of bad teeth, decay and pain. In April, I went to the Women's Resource Center to see if they could help me. Jenny was able to get an oral surgeon to remove my remaining teeth and fix my gums. Annette got me signed up for their free denture clinic and in 3 weeks I had my beautiful new teeth. Now I can eat real food without hurting, and I can't stop smiling!
Patricia Croxton
Dear Dr. S.
I can't begin to tell you thanks. You are really an answer to my prayers! My teeth look nice and feel great! I know I don't have to worry about smiling, and either cover my mouth or smile so that my teeth don't show. My self-esteem is so much higher. I praise the Lord for you. Keep up the good work!
Anomymous
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