Mission
There are more than 125 health conditions that may affect or be affected by oral health.
Worldwide, 60-90% of children and nearly 100% of adults have dental cavities - World Health Organization. In some parts of the world, the dentist to population ratio is approximately 1 to 150,000 - World Health Organization, leaving many without adequate access to oral healthcare.
This lack of access has significant physical and psychological effects on children and adults, impacting overall social well being, influencing self confidence, and affecting growth.
Without access to proper oral care, many experience severe dental decay, causing pain, discomfort, disfigurement, acute and chronic infections, eating and sleeping disruption, and more. Such oral health issues create a systematic cycle of despair that for many becomes normality.
At Cura Smiles, we are changing this cycle. Every person deserves to smile without shame or fear, regardless of their access to dental care.
Care
Cura Smiles creates opportunities for dentists to provide dental care to underserved and local communities and increase awareness of the importance of oral health.
Train
Our local dentists also train pre-dental students to assist in the operations of the dental clinic while instilling the importance of serving the underprivileged members of the community who, in many cases, have never received any dental care.
We ensure every patient is treated with respect, compassion, and skill. For every individual, we seek to restore what has been lost, save what can be saved, and prevent what can be prevented.
Veronica's Story
Veronica came to Cura Smiles in 2022 with a fear of dentists that began in her late teens. After enduring distressing dental experiences on four occasions, she avoided dental care for two decades. When her front tooth became loose and fell out, she began hiding her smile, from those around her. She continued to lose teeth, and confidence in her smile, with only 13 decaying teeth remaining. After receiving unaffordable quotes from six different dentists, she thought she would have to hide her smile indefinitely. After hearing about Cura Smiles from a friend, committed volunteers restored her warm and radiant smile during her visit.
Then (2022)
Now (2024)
Veronica is thriving! Nearly two years after receiving treatment at Cura Smiles, Veronica’s children tell her what a gift it is to see her smile so much at home. She is most thankful for the ability to eat and smile, and her health has improved tremendously because she is getting proper nutrition. Previously, Veronica continued to wear a mask after the COVID-19 pandemic and only worked from home in order to hide her smile. Now, one of her part-time jobs is outside the home and she is an active volunteer at her church. We are so thankful for the transformation that Veronica has experienced!
Dental Care
Cura Smiles identifies underserved communities and then works with educational institutions and local dental professionals to provide the highest level of dental care to patients, free of cost.
Oral Health Education
Cura Smiles believes education is crucial to building awareness of oral health in order to decrease the frequency of cavities and oral disease. Our staff and volunteers educate individuals on proper diet, brushing, and flossing, to not only significantly improve one’s oral health, but also general health.
Prevention Training
Prevention is a key component to long term, sustainable improvement in oral healthcare. Cura Smiles gives patients the resources for proper home care and proactive maintenance to improve oral and systemic health.
Our Values
Transformation
We believe in the power of transformed lives. Individuals with poor oral health suffer from physical pain and social stigmas. We believe in restoring smiles so individuals can experience the transforming impact of good oral health, also connected to systemic health.
Stewardship
We are dedicated to building a “smile-filled” tomorrow. We aspire to help underserved communities and develop our volunteers and pre-dental students to more adequately meet the needs of others.
Service
We are dedicated to extending a helping hand to those around us. Whether it’s a team member or a patient in need, everyone deserves the utmost respect and care.
Empowerment
We work to educate, train, and equip dental providers for continued service to their communities.
Prevention
We recognize that prevention and education are the most important factors in oral health. Therefore, we work hard to educate our patients on the importance of proactive oral care.