Sonrisas offers dental
treatments that alleviate pain and suffering so that people can
strive towards their goals with self-confidence. The treatments include prophylaxis, fluoride, sealants,
fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, root canals, orthodontics,
implants and surgical procedures. Each clinic is equipped
with modern equipment and tools -rarely found in other clinics in
the DR. The frequent electrical blackouts in the country's
electricity system do not paralyze the clinic's work because each
has ts own electrical generator. Most importantly,
outside inspectors have said that the clinics are models of cleanliness
and hygiene and the dentists are extremely capable.
Essentially, the clinics are well equipped, maintained, and staffed
so as to offer the highest quality dental treatments.
By the end of 2010,
the total number of educational units and treatments delivered since
the initiation of Sonrisas has reached 2,898,222. In 2010 a total of 282 244 patients were treated and educated.
This is a significant increase over past years and can be credited
to having 2 new clinics up and working, as well as corporate sponsorship
and overseas support for the dental offices and mobile clinics.
Furthermore, an increase of local interest by community groups and
the business sector is a result of growing awareness of
the benefits of Sonrisas services,
in the community itself
and among employees in private companies. The Foundation continues to
expect the number of treatments to increase as awareness of their services
and their physical presence expand. Smiles Foundation
runs 10 permanent clinics named SONRISAS
("Smiles" in Spanish). Four of them are located in Santo
Domingo, one each in Moca, Santiago, Higuey and Puerto Plata. Its 5 mobile
units provide dental and educational services to rural areas across the
country.