Smiles for Everyone Foundation

The Smiles for Everyone Foundation is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free dental care to individuals in need around the world. Founded with the mission of delivering "Smiles for Everyone," the organization operates in collaboration with Smile Brands Inc.

Mission

The foundation's mission is straightforward: to provide free dental services to those who cannot afford them, both in the United States and globally. This mission aligns with Smile Brands Inc.'s philosophy of serving patients, affiliated providers, employees, and the broader community.

Operations

Since its inception in 2006 (IRS ruling year), the Smiles for Everyone Foundation has conducted Community Smile Projects in the United States and International Smile Projects in several countries, including Ghana, Laos, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, the Philippines, and Thailand. Their efforts include partnerships with various organizations to enhance access to dental care for underserved populations. One notable initiative is the "Implanting Inspiration" program, which offers free dental implants to select patients in need.

Achievements

To date, the foundation has delivered over 149,426 smiles worldwide and has received donations amounting to $112,073,569. These contributions are used to support the organization's mission of ensuring dental care is accessible to everyone, regardless of socio-economic background.

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is led by a diverse board, which includes Steven C. Bilt and other key figures from Smile Brands Inc. The organization is recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with donations being tax-deductible. The Smiles for Everyone Foundation has earned a 3/4 Star rating on Charity Navigator.

International Presence

Their international projects have expanded significantly, with partnerships in countries where dental care access is limited. For example, their Thailand outpost extends support to Cambodia and Laos, and a collaboration with the Mindanao Organization in the Philippines involves support from the U.S. military. The foundation's work in Nicaragua includes establishing dental services where fewer than one in 570 children had ever visited a dentist before.

The Smiles for Everyone Foundation plays a vital role in global healthcare by addressing the critical need for accessible dental services among disadvantaged communities worldwide.

[1] https://www.smilesforeveryone.org/about_us/ [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonprofit_organization [3] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/20-2435261 [4] https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/202435261 [5] https://www.smilesforeveryone.org