A Partnership for Healthy Smiles 

Earlier this year, Operation Smile Vietnam and a team of volunteers from Mommy Dentists in Business (MDIB) came together to provide dental screenings, treatment and education to nearly 5,000 children from low-resourced communities across Huế Province in Vietnam. 

This work was the result of three years of planning, fundraising and partnership to build something lasting: better access to dental care. 

In Huế, dentists from MDIB and volunteer dental professionals from Operation Smile Vietnam worked together to provide comprehensive health evaluations to more than 4,500 children, with more than 1,800 receiving treatment during the program. Each child also received oral health supplies and learned how to care for their teeth at home. 

“Back in 1997, when Operation Smile had been providing cleft surgeries for many years, we realized that the need for dental care was enormous,” said Dr. Hạnh Quyên, D.D.S., Ph.D., head of the department of geriatric dentistry at the Institute for Training in Odonto-Stomatology, Hanoi Medical University and a member of Operation Smile Vietnam’s Medical Advisory Board. “There are so many children and adults who have never had access to screenings or treatment.” 

Partnerships are essential to expanding access to care, strengthening health systems and reaching more patients. 

Comprehensive Care Creates a Lasting Impact 

Today, Operation Smile increases access to surgery and comprehensive care — including oral health — in 37 countries. Oral diseases affect nearly half the world’s population and are especially common in low- and middle-income countries. That’s why improving access to oral health is a key part of our care model and why partnerships like this one are so important. 

For the dentists from MDIB, this program meant more than providing dental treatment. As mothers, they wanted to support the program not just as health care workers, but as parents who understand the importance of caring for every child.

“We’ve been fundraising for three years to make this happen,” said Grace Yum, D.D.S., a pediatric dentist and founder of MDIB, which she started in 2017 to support mothers working in dentistry. “To treat almost 5,000 children and teach them about oral care — that’s truly a blessing. 

For some, like Katie To, D.D.S., this program was personal. Born in Vietnam, she returned as a volunteer and mother, grateful to bring care to the country where her story began. 

“Being here in Huế, doing this for the children, means so much to me,” said Dr. To. “We’re not just treating teeth; we’re teaching kids how to take care of themselves. That’s how we create real change.” 

For others, like Marie Buell, D.M.D., the experience brought her back to her roots in volunteer work. She began volunteering with Operation Smile in the Philippines years ago and was excited to be part of this program in Vietnam to increase access to lasting care. 

“Even though we come from different places, we’re all the same,” said Buell. “We have the same hopes and dreams.” 

Throughout the week, one thing stayed constant: the love and care each volunteer brought to every child. 

“As mothers, we know what it’s like when our kids are in pain,” said Yum. “That’s why we’re here — to help these children get the care they deserve.” 

This program is just one example of the ongoing work led by Operation Smile Vietnam to bring care closer to home for patients and their communities. From prevention to treatment, our locally led teams are committed to building stronger, more sustainable access to safe, high-quality care. 

By bringing together local expertise and global support, this partnership shows what’s possible when people come together with heart, skill and purpose.