Save Our Smiles (SOS) Worldwide

      This past summer I went to Cambodia with Global Dental Relief, along with several other pre-dental students from around the world, to volunteer in assisting several dentists. Having the ability to immerse myself in another country’s way of life and aid in the children’s dental needs has contributed to my passion and love for dentistry. It further confirmed why I’m pursuing this career which is helping others gain hygienic skills and confidence. The bold personalities and infectious smiles the Cambodian people have forever changed me. They showed me the true meaning of life and what constitutes being happy. I learned happiness is far more valued than the minimal materialistic items they have. When my time was over, I found leaving those who have the least but give the most was really hard to do. Because developing countries are unable to afford daily necessities, oral hygiene isn’t a priority and the consequences are horrific and permanent. Seeing children in need of full mouth extractions at just 13 years old, rotten adult teeth that have only recently protruded in children ages 6 - 12, and cavities galore, I knew I needed to help more. But how?

 

     One week after I got back from Cambodia, Nick and Denise Bordieri from Mercy Worldwide Non-Profit (http://www.mercyworldwide.org) reached out to me about my time spent in the country, as they had recently decided to take over an orphanage in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. They expressed the children’s need for dental supplies. Hearing the same cries for help from others residing in the country, sparked an idea that morphed into Save Our Smiles (SOS) Worldwide. I am currently a pre-dental student at the University of Oregon and my ability to give back in the dental field without the qualifications is limited. Because I’m unable to give back in the way that Global Dental Relief volunteer doctors can, I have focused my efforts in sending the much needed hygiene products their way. This project will supply the 70 orphaned children who reside in the CSW/MERCY Orphanage 6 – 12 month’s worth of dental supplies. My goal is for each child to receive a canvas bag that contains three toothbrushes, three tubes of toothpaste, three floss packs, as well as an SOS t-shirt given that they are also in need of clothing.  My hope is to hand deliver the bags to the children during my winter break and educate them on oral hygiene, teaching them how to properly brush and floss their teeth.

 

      I have created a budget for the cost of supplies for each bag and I’m confident in my ability to make this dream of mine a reality within the next seven weeks. Any sort of contribution and support is greatly appreciated!! I’m beyond excited for this opportunity to partner with Mercy Worldwide in helping those who need it most and I will keep you all updated during this amazing venture!!

 

 Please note:  Depending on the success of this GoFundMe project, my dream is to create an SOS Worldwide non-profit organization that I will continue to lead throughout my life.