The Smile Foundation

05/24/2022

We love our Optometrists! Ashley and Kennedy both worked extra hard this year to restore sight for the people of Isla and XCan! We appreciate their dedication to serving with the Smile Foundation!

05/23/2022

We were featured on the local news in Isla Mujeres!!

05/23/2022

Our team arrived In Isla for our 2022 mission on May 14.
This year, we were privileged to provide both dental and eye care to those in need. Our team was made up of people from all walks of life; from dentists, an oral surgeon and optometrists to a newly graduated lawyer and college students. Each team member plays a vital role!
If you are interested in getting involved with the smile foundation, please check out our website!
www.smilefoundationdental.com

06/02/2021

For Dakoda Smith, '19 & '21, "Isla is not just a yearly mission trip for doing good deeds; it’s much more." Dakoda offered some wonderful insight into the impact The Smile Foundation has on participants and patients.

"It helps me step outside my life and realize that people who are significantly less fortunate than us are just as happy... if not happier. Their gratitude is written all over their faces. It truly humbles you and makes you appreciate things you normally wouldn’t even notice in your everyday life.

On my 2019 trip to Isla, one of the first things I noticed was that when treating patients (who presented all types of dental problems and concerns) at our clinic, they all had sincere gratitude and appreciation. To them, it it not a simple cleaning or an extraction of the tooth that’s been causing them pain for months - it means more to them than I can even explain to someone who has not seen it first hand.

I am thankful for all the little things, such as handing out a new toothbrush to the kids, bringing the biggest, sweetest, most memorable smile to their faces. Honestly, that is what I look forward to every year: Knowing that I had a part in making someone smile that big.

Thanks, Smile Foundation, for giving me the opportunity to serve with you!"

Dakoda has been practicing as a dental hygienist for six years and has a special interest in pediatrics.

Learn more about Dakoda and The Smile Foundation on our website: https://www.smilefoundationdental.com/

05/27/2021

We asked Laura Barksdale about her experience with The Smile Foundation, founded by Dr. Lauten Johnson, in 2009:
"Before our trip to Isla, Lauten and I spoke often of his experiences there. Seeing how Lauten's face would light up during these conversations is enough to explain the positive effects this mission has on those involved. He would always say that Isla was his favorite place. He described how the people were so grateful to receive something as small as a toothbrush and how generous they were with even the little bit they themselves had. I don’t believe you can truly understand these stories until you experience them for yourself.
This 2021 trip was my first opportunity to travel with The Smile Foundation. I was able to experience firsthand the simple happiness that Lauten had been describing. The people of Isla were so thankful for our presence, but the truth is that we received so much more from them than they could ever receive from us. Many would smile or giggle as I stumbled through my Spanish introduction and attempted explanation of what I was about to do. Despite this language barrier their smiles always made me feel welcome and at ease. Dental care is something most of us take for granted, but many of those whom we served had very little opportunity to receive this care throughout their lives. Their gratitude for something as simple as a teeth cleaning was so humbling.
In addition to the people of Isla, I was completely blown away by the joy that this years’ Smile Foundation team (most strangers to me at the time) exhibited even on the hottest days! Everyone was willing to help in any way possible from painting walls in the new clinic to assisting in extractions. We really didn’t know what was in store each day, but everyone woke up with a smile on their face ready to serve!
I feel extremely blessed to have been a part of The Smile Foundation’s mission for 2021. Looking forward to many more years! Smile On!"

Laura is a nurse anesthetist, so she is well-versed in medical procedures, such as tooth extractions, and Laura is becoming more versed in the Spanish language.

Learn more about Laura and The Smile Foundation on our website: https://www.smilefoundationdental.com/

05/24/2021

Alex Oczypok, '21, traveled with the team for the fist time and, upon reflection, said, "The biggest lesson I learned from my trip to Mexico with The Smile Foundation was to be grateful. It was eye-opening and impressive to see how happy and grateful the people of Isla Mujeres were. Everyone I interacted with was uplifting and positive. They have this charisma on the island that energizes and enlivens others. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people. I hope to take lessons learned from the trip and apply them to my everyday life."

Although Alex has no formative dental experience, having graduated from The University of Alabama with a mechanical engineering degree, he worked tirelessly and brushed, flossed, etc. over 400 patients' teeth!

Learn more about Alex and The Smile Foundation on our website: https://www.smilefoundationdental.com/

05/21/2021

Not familiar with Isla Mujeres, Spanish for "Island of Women?" The 2,130 ft-wide island is home to an underwater museum, a sea turtle sanctuary, and kind patients of The Smile Foundation.

Learn more about the island's history:

Isla Mujeres History and Folklore. The legends and stories of Isla Mujeres from the time of the Maya to recent history.

05/21/2021

"I loved my first trip to Isla Mujeres and being able to serve the people there. It is such a beautiful island and the people there are just beautiful and loving!" -Blair Pavon, '21

Blair lived in Honduras for eight years and speaks fluent Spanish, so she was not only able to assist the dentists in procedures but also able to translate directions to local patients, such as post-operation care.

Learn more about Blair and The Smile Foundation on our website: https://www.smilefoundationdental.com/

05/07/2021

Support The Smile Foundation team as they prepare to travel to Isla Mujeres this summer. A small or large contribution will provide the medical supplies for the locals and support the doctors and the rest of the dental team.

The Smile Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization.