Smiles Forever

In Q1 2022, Smiles Forever received a one-time grant for $10,000 in unrestricted funding for continued work in developing a dental system for Bolivia, one of the world’s poorest countries. The organization’s strategy for this is based on the idea of prevention over restoration, leading to better oral and general health. Specifically, the program trains Bolivian dental technicians to treat patients with SDF (Silver Diamine Fluoride), which arrests tooth decay while rebuilding the tooth structure. SDF is also used to protect “virgin teeth” from cavities. Additionally, technicians are taught to utilize a SMART FILLING technique that makes the treated tooth stronger and has the added benefit of being more aesthetically pleasing than the previously used materials. All work is completed without local anesthetic or drilling of the tooth.