MAKING HISTORY
1000 Smiles is the planet’s largest humanitarian dental project. Our volunteer Dental Professionals and Civilians provide access to dental care and education to Jamaican children and their communities. Started in 2002, this amazing project is a dynamic collaboration between Great Shape! Inc., Sandals Resorts International, and the Jamaican Ministry of Health. Nearly 200 dental volunteers from all over the USA, Canada and beyond come together each year for several weeks of bliss: to offer their care, education, expertise, time and love to those children in need in rural Jamaica. These areas have only one dentist for every 80,000 people!

SUSTAINABILITY
We serve about 15,000 Jamaicans each year at a cost of only $10 each. However, we understand accessible and sustainable dental care for all Jamaicans will not be realized unless Jamaicans are trained and supported to care for their own. We have several elements in our project to achieve that goal:

1. Provide equipment and supplies to existing Ministry of Health clinics and staff.

2. Offer in-field training and sharing of ideas and expertise.

3. In partnership with US universities, offer scholarships to select individuals to become dentists and hygienists, who will return to Jamaica to provide care for their own communities.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE
The saying is also true when it comes to accomplishing great acts of humanitarian relief. The 1000 Smiles Dental Project is only possible because many enlightened individuals and companies decide to actively care about others who are less fortunate. These supporters believe we are all connected through the big "One Love".

1. Hundreds of dental volunteers close their offices, forego their income and pay travel expenses to give the gift of dental care while relieving and preventing suffering.

2. Sandals Resorts International is a Jamaican owned company. The owners care greatly about the people of Jamaica, especially in their employee’s home towns. Other companies including Colgate Palmolive, St. Ann Bauxite, Air Jamaica, AVXP and others also generously support the 1000 Smiles Project.

3. Hundreds of individuals “Sponsor A Smile” ($50 each) or volunteer time to raise money for our projects.