UNSPOKEN SMILES

08/01/2026

One of the most inspiring discoveries from our visits to schools across Costa Rica has been realizing that much of the infrastructure needed to improve children’s oral health already exists.

In every MEP school we have visited, students have access to clean drinking water and sinks—essential tools for building healthy brushing habits. Even more impressive, some schools have dental chairs and receive regular visits from government dentists. In many of these schools, fewer than 20% of children have cavities.

This is a testament to the vision and investment of the Ministerio de Educación Pública (MEP), as well as the dedication of educators, healthcare professionals, and school leaders across the country.

The lesson is clear: prevention works.

We do not need to start from scratch. We need to build on what already exists and ensure that every school can fully leverage this incredible infrastructure.

Imagine if all 5,400+ public schools in Costa Rica joined a national movement toward one goal:

Zero Cavities. Zero Pain. Zero Barriers to Learning.

Costa Rica has the infrastructure. Now let’s unlock its full potential.

One sink. One toothbrush. One child. One school.

That’s how a nation changes its future.

08/01/2026

One of the most inspiring discoveries from our visits to schools across Costa Rica has been realizing that much of the infrastructure needed to improve children’s oral health already exists.

In every MEP school we have visited, students have access to clean drinking water and sinks—essential tools for building healthy brushing habits. Even more impressive, some schools have dental chairs and receive regular visits from government dentists. In many of these schools, fewer than 20% of children have cavities.

This is a testament to the vision and investment of the Ministerio de Educación Pública (MEP), as well as the dedication of educators, healthcare professionals, and school leaders across the country.

The lesson is clear: prevention works.

We do not need to start from scratch. We need to build on what already exists and ensure that every school can fully leverage this incredible infrastructure.

Imagine if all 5,400+ public schools in Costa Rica joined a national movement toward one goal:

Zero Cavities. Zero Pain. Zero Barriers to Learning.

Costa Rica has the infrastructure. Now let’s unlock its full potential.

One sink. One toothbrush. One child. One school.

That’s how a nation changes its future.

07/31/2026

There is something special about walking through a school hallway.

These hallways have carried generations of children toward their futures. Some became presidents, teachers, dentists, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Others faced challenges that changed the course of their lives.

Many of the schools we visit through the Zero Cavity Initiative have stood for decades—some for more than a century. Every classroom, every doorway, and every hallway holds stories of resilience, hope, and possibility.

As we walk these corridors, we think about the children sitting in those classrooms today and the futures they will help shape tomorrow.

Our hope is to add a new milestone to the legacy of these schools:

— The generation that became cavity-free.
— The students who missed fewer days of school because of dental pain.
— The children who gained confidence through healthy smiles.
— The communities that embraced prevention as a pathway to a healthier future.

Long after our work is done, children will continue walking these same hallways.

If the Zero Cavity Initiative succeeds, they will inherit more than a school—they will inherit a healthier legacy.

Because every hallway tells a story.

Together, we’re helping write the next chapter.

07/27/2026

Last week reminded us why Unspoken Smiles exists.

Together with our newest 2026 Unspoken Smiles Fellows, we visited Escuela Las Letras in Desamparados, Costa Rica—a community filled with resilience, hope, and incredible potential.

Out of 434 children screened, 303 were found to have existing cavities.

That means nearly 70% of the children examined are living with untreated dental disease.

Behind every number is a child who may be struggling to eat, sleep, learn, or smile without pain.

But this story is not about the problem.

It’s about the solution.

Every child identified with cavities will receive FREE dental treatment at the Unspoken Smiles Clinic in Paseo Colón. Because we believe that no child’s future should be limited by a preventable disease.

This is our promise. This is our Zero Cavity Initiative.

More than 40 Fellows joined us in this effort, proving that the next generation is ready to lead with compassion, service, and action.

Thank you to our partners (FIGS Henry Schein Molecular Hydrogen , volunteers, educators, and the entire Escuela Las Letras community for helping us turn a vision into reality.

The global oral health crisis may be silent, but together we are making sure children are heard.

One school.
One community.
One child at a time.

Together, we are building a future where every child can grow up cavity-free.

07/27/2026

07/27/2026

Last week reminded us why we started Unspoken Smiles.

Together with our newest 2026 Unspoken Smiles Fellows, we visited Escuela Las Letras in Desamparados, Costa Rica—a vibrant community filled with promise, resilience, and hundreds of children whose futures deserve every opportunity to thrive.

With a student population of 614 children, the school represents the hopes and dreams of hundreds of families. Yet for many children, a healthy smile remains out of reach.

During our visit, we conducted 434 oral health screenings.

What we found was both heartbreaking and motivating:

🦷 303 children were living with cavities.

That means 69.8% of the children screened had untreated dental disease.

Behind every statistic is a child struggling to eat comfortably, concentrate in class, sleep without pain, or smile with confidence.

But this story is not about cavities.

It is about what happens next.

Every single child identified with cavities will receive FREE dental treatment at the Unspoken Smiles Clinic in Paseo Colón. This is more than a promise—it is our commitment to ensuring that where a child is born or what their family earns should never determine whether they can live free from preventable disease.

This is how we build a future of Zero Cavities.

Not through words alone, but through action.

Not by treating problems after they become crises, but by preventing them before they begin.

More than 40 Unspoken Smiles Fellows stood shoulder to shoulder with us, representing a new generation of leaders committed to health equity and social impact. Their passion gives us hope that lasting change is possible.

To our partners , , , and , and to the incredible leadership, teachers, and staff of Escuela Las Letras—thank you for believing that every child deserves a healthy start in life.

The silent global health crisis does not have to remain silent.

One school.
One community.
One child at a time.

Together, we are proving that a cavity-free generation is possible.

07/11/2026

Meet sebastián monge , a member of the 2026 Unspoken Smiles Fellowship.

Sebastián joined the Unspoken Smiles Fellowship as an opportunity to grow professionally, gain meaningful experiences, and continue developing as a future healthcare professional.

He believes that service, teamwork, and supporting others are essential parts of personal and professional growth. As an outgoing and motivated person, Sebastián enjoys encouraging those around him and contributing positively to his community.

“Helping others and being part of meaningful experiences are steps toward becoming the professional and person I aspire to be.”

Through the Fellowship, Sebastián hopes to strengthen his skills, expand his experience, and continue building a path focused on service and commitment.

Looking ahead to 2030, he envisions himself as a dental specialist, continuing to help those who need it most while bringing responsibility, positivity, and compassion to his profession.

We are proud to welcome Sebastián to the 2026 Unspoken Smiles Fellowship and excited to see the impact he will create through leadership and service.

07/11/2026

Meet Diana Ugalde🦷 , a member of the 2026 Unspoken Smiles Fellowship.

Diana sees the Fellowship as an opportunity to continue growing as both a professional and a leader. Passionate about dentistry and healthcare, she believes that oral health requires not only clinical knowledge, but also empathy, prevention, and a commitment to serving communities.

Alongside her dental studies, Diana is also pursuing Administration of Health Services, expanding her understanding of equitable healthcare access and the importance of health promotion. Her experience as President of the Dental and Nutrition Student Government strengthened her leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.

“Education and prevention are powerful tools to create sustainable change in oral health and improve people’s lives.”

Through Unspoken Smiles, Diana hopes to learn from diverse communities, contribute her knowledge, and continue promoting oral health as a universal right.

Looking ahead to 2030, she envisions herself as a dentist and healthcare professional combining both areas of expertise to create a human-centered practice focused on prevention, teamwork, and quality care. She hopes to build a clinic where patients feel supported, respected, and confident.

Diana represents the future of healthcare: professionals who combine leadership, compassion, and a vision for a healthier world.

We are proud to welcome Diana to the 2026 Unspoken Smiles Fellowship and excited to see the impact she will create through service and innovation.

07/11/2026

Meet Yubelky , a member of the 2026 Unspoken Smiles Fellowship.

Yubelki joined the Fellowship because she believes every child and community deserves access to oral health education and the opportunity to build healthy habits from an early age.

As a dental student, she is excited to share the knowledge she has gained, contribute to underserved communities, and be part of a movement that promotes prevention and healthier smiles.

“Education is the first step toward creating lifelong oral health habits and confident smiles.”

Through the Unspoken Smiles Fellowship, Yubelki hopes to serve, learn, and make a positive impact by helping children, families, and communities understand the importance of caring for their oral health.

Looking ahead to 2030, she envisions herself as a graduated dental professional providing care to patients of all ages—from children to older adults—while promoting prevention, education, and confidence through healthy smiles.

We are proud to welcome Yubelki to the 2026 Unspoken Smiles Fellowship and excited to see the difference she will make through compassion, knowledge, and service.

07/11/2026

Meet Abigail Rojas, a member of the 2026 Unspoken Smiles Fellowship.

At just 17 years old, Abigail joins two other remarkable young fellows in this year’s cohort who represent the next generation of future dental leaders.

Abigail believes every child deserves access to oral health education and care, regardless of their economic circumstances. As a student beginning her journey in dentistry, she is passionate about learning, serving communities, and understanding how oral healthcare can transform lives.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn how to care for their smile and build healthy habits for life.”

Through the Unspoken Smiles Fellowship, Abigail hopes to strengthen her communication skills, gain experience working with children and communities, and continue developing her vocation of service.

Looking ahead to 2030, she envisions herself graduating in dentistry and beginning her path toward specialization while continuing to use her profession to help others.

Abigail represents the spirit of the 2026 Fellowship: young leaders with compassion, purpose, and the desire to create healthier futures.

We are proud to welcome Abigail to the Unspoken Smiles Fellowship Class of 2026 and excited to see the impact she will make.