The M3 Conference Team is eternally grateful to its partners and supporters that have come alongside us to bring attention to the pressing global health needs. One of those generous partners is Hope Smiles. We were honored to have Hope Smiles’ Founder, Phillip Kemp, DDS, AAACD, join us as a speaker at the 2017 M3 Conference.
Originally named Project Smiles, Hope Smiles was founded in 2005 to meet the unmet dental needs in Middle Tennessee by providing dental students unparalleled mentorship and experience while serving the under-served. Partnering with the dental school at the University of Tennessee, Dr. Phillip Kemp and a nine-member board invited dental students to take up their mission for real action through a unique advanced education opportunity. This mentoring program has provided dental care to many who would otherwise not receive treatment.
Now, just twelve years later, Hope Smiles is not only growing and continuing its work in the U.S., but is also developing sustainable dental care in Haiti and Uganda. As pioneers utilizing excellent, innovative, sustainable, and compassionate dental care, Hope Smiles’ mission is to bring physical, spiritual, economic, and social transformation to people and their communities in the name of Jesus Christ.
Hope Smiles seeks to inspire, equip, and mobilize a movement of believers to impact the world through dentistry through their talent, their love, and their faith.
Hope Smiles is committed to developing and providing a sustainable, community-based dental delivery model that serves populations with more than a one-time or irregular episode of care. Hope Smiles’ approach is to develop clinics, both mobile and fixed, where people can receive not only dental care, but also education, training and discipleship in Kingdom work that will go on to transform their personal lives and communities. The Hope Smiles clinics provide not only local services, but also engage communities in need through outreach events, and community development initiatives.
Hope Smiles dental clinics serve as the nexus for education and development opportunities for dental professionals and students through practical on-the-ground mentorship from dental professionals committed to giving their lives away, not only in service to others but also in raising up the next generation of professionals to continue the legacy of serving others.
This interweaving of providing excellent care, mentorship, continuing education, and discipleship while serving the marginalized or underserved is the unique and defining characteristic of the work of Hope Smiles.
Click here for more information about the programs and projects of Hope Smiles and find out how you too can make a difference in dental missions both locally and abroad.