As a division of MEDLIFE, Smiles Movement is dedicated to delivering essential dental care to underserved communities in Peru and Ecuador. Our mission is to bring smiles back to those who cannot afford dental care on their own. By operating mobile dental clinics and ensuring follow-up care, we impact thousands who previously lacked access to basic dental services.
Our Service Learning Trips are staffed by local practitioners from the MED Dental clinic, allowing volunteers to engage directly in delivering care.
Volunteers function in a variety of roles including:
Smiles Movement is committed to social responsibility and responsive healthcare, specifically focusing on dental services that communities urgently need. Our Smiles Movement Service Learning Trips arose in response to high demand for dental care, which is often highlighted during MEDLIFE’s classic Service Learning Trips.
Supported by our permanent MED Dental clinic, we provide consistent, culturally sensitive care from local professionals. Our approach goes beyond addressing immediate dental issues by also emphasizing preventive care and education. Through educational workshops in local schools, our volunteers impart dental health knowledge, empowering students with the tools to maintain long-term health and wellbeing.
Traditionally, mission trips focus on short-term interventions to meet immediate needs. In contrast, Smiles Movement’s Service Learning Trips are designed for sustainability. They combine critical dental care with educational programs to build local capacity. This approach ensures our projects not only provide immediate relief but also foster ongoing community health improvements. By integrating treatment with proactive education, we help communities develop lasting solutions for dental health challenges.
Founded on the principles established by Dr. Nick Ellis in 2004, Smiles Movement aligns with MEDLIFE’s mission to bridge healthcare access gaps by providing specialized dental care through targeted Service Learning Trips in Peru & Ecuador. By participating, volunteers help sustain MEDLIFE’s permanent dental clinic, which offers year-round care, and support educational outreach to improve community health long-term.
Smiles Movement emphasizes responsible and impactful travel. Our dental trips aim to deliver lasting benefits to the communities we serve by partnering with local professionals. Volunteers work directly with local dentists and leaders, enhancing both their experience and the community’s long-term healthcare.
