"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 and orthodontics.
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 is equipped
with its 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.
Over a million patients benefited
from restorative dental treatments in Sonrisas clinics since the
beginning. In 2004, 177,629 patients were treated and educated.
This is a significant increase over past years and can be credited
to having 2 new clinic 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 8 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.