OUR MISSION
AT NOSARA SMILES / NOSARA SONRIE, OUR MISSION IS TO IMPROVE THE oral HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS BY PROVIDING ACCESS FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED FAMILIES IN THE NOSARA DISTRICT through our ANNUAL FREE OUTREACH DENTAL CARE PROGRAM.
We focus on forming strategic alliances with public schools, addressing critical dental issues among youth, and assisting special cases referred by the Nosara Food Bank. We aspire to create lasting smiles, as we discovered that 25% of those we served required extractions due to severe decay, while 75% had treatable cavities.
Through collaborative efforts with dedicated professionals, non-profit organizations, private donors, and local businesses, we aim to establish an enduring annual program.
Nosara Smiles is dedicated to the health and happiness of Nosara's children and adolescents.With the unwavering support of our community, and donors like you, we aim to establish an enduring annual program.
Join us in making a lasting impact on the health and happiness of Nosara's children and adolescents. Your support can transform lives through Nosara Smiles / Nosara Sonrie.
Here's how you can get involved:
Donate: Your contribution can help us provide free dental care to those in need. Every dollar counts in ensuring healthier smiles.
Volunteer: If you're a dental professional or have relevant skills, consider joining our dedicated team of volunteers. Your expertise can make a world of difference.
Spread the Word: Share our mission with friends, family, and on social media. The more people who know about Nosara Smiles, the greater our impact.
Community Partnerships: If you represent a local business or organization, collaborate with us to strengthen our efforts in the Nosara community.
Together, we can create brighter, healthier smiles for the future. Act now and be a part of Nosara Smiles' journey towards a happier, healthier Nosara!
Photo by Matthew Chenet
PAST EVENTS
May 2023
In May 2023, a dedicated team of ten U.S. dentists, three Costa Rican dentists, and two U.S. dental hygienists provided free dental care to over 900 school-age children in Nosara, Costa Rica, where access to affordable dental care is limited. During this first phase, the focus was on children and adolescents in public schools and special cases referred by the Nosara Food Bank. Shockingly, 25% of those seen required extractions due to advanced tooth decay, highlighting the urgent need for such services.
Photo by Matthew Chenet
2023 STATISTICS
926 children seen
10 schools participated
10 U.S.dentists from the KIDS foundation
3 Costa Rican dentists
2 dental hygienists
10 local business sponsors
24 community volunteers
$68,891.44 value of goods and services donated*
*This includes the following cost details: flight travel, transportation, accommodation, food, dental equipment, materials, and supplies for all the dentists and volunteer crew.
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 2024
From May 6 to May 12. 2024, our team of international and local dentists, assistants, and volunteers will again undertake to provide free dental care to over 1,000 children who would otherwise never be given such opportunity for treatments. This year, we will be expanding our reach from Barco Quebrado to Ostional.
We are thrilled to be partnering with Edunamica Nosara who will give us access to its facilities so more complete treatments (such as filings and x-rays) can be done in a safe and clean environment.
We also wish to thank the following organizations for their invaluable support:
