TeamSmile: Transforming Oral Health Access Through Joy, Community, and Inclusion

One of the most impactful initiatives within the organization is the development of TeamSmile’s Sensory-Support Clinics. (TeamSmile Photo)

By Angela Brewer

Across the country, thousands of children each year go without essential dental care, a gap that can lead to preventable pain, school absences, and long-term health issues. Since its founding, TeamSmile has worked to break this cycle through a simple but powerful idea: when dental care feels welcoming, fun, and community-driven, children are far more likely to engage in it—and even enjoy the experience. By teaming up with professional sports organizations, universities, corporate partners, and local dental providers, TeamSmile brings high-quality, completely free dental care to underserved children in an environment filled with music, laughter, mentorship, and the energy of elite athletes.

This year alone, TeamSmile has reached more than 5,500 children nationwide, providing more than $1.7 million in free dental care and oral health education.  We’ve also engaged over 4,500 volunteers and connected over 2,300 children with a dental home.  Since its inception, the organization has delivered over $23 million in charitable dental care and served over 60,000 children. These numbers reflect not just services rendered, but lives changed—students who walk into a clinic nervous and quiet often leave smiling, high-fiving volunteers, and proudly showing off their “cavity-free” certificates. For many, it is the first positive dental experience of their lives.

Expanding Access: Three TeamSmile Programs Designed for Children With IDD

TeamSmile also understands that the traditional high-energy clinic model isn’t the right fit for every child. For children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), a typical dental appointment can be overwhelming due to sensory sensitivities, communication differences, or medical complexity. Families of children with IDD often report driving hours to find a dentist comfortable treating their child—or going without care entirely. Recognizing this gap, TeamSmile has developed specialized programming to ensure that every child, regardless of ability, receives the compassion, patience, and individualized support they deserve. These programs are only possible due to the generous support of our partners Dental Trade Alliance Foundation, Pacific Dental Services Foundation and Avesis.

One of the most impactful initiatives within the organization is the development of TeamSmile Sensory-Support Clinics, crafted specifically to meet the needs of children with sensory processing challenges and other IDD-related barriers. These clinics are intentionally designed with quieter rooms, softened lighting, and structured routines that help children feel grounded and safe. Dental professionals receive preparation on communication strategies and behavioral supports, and—critically—remove the pressure of rushing through care. In calmer environments, children who once feared the dentist often experience success for the first time, leading to improved oral health outcomes and renewed confidence in future dental visits.

The TeamSmile Dental Home Project: Powered by DentaQuest/Sun Life

To further advance equitable access to care, TeamSmile launched the Dental Home Project, powered by DentaQuest/Sun Life—an initiative designed to ensure that children who attend a TeamSmile event don’t simply receive a one-time service, but are connected to a true dental home for ongoing care. Through this program, TeamSmile identifies children who lack regular dental providers and helps match them with local dentists committed to offering continued, comprehensive, and compassionate care at no cost to families.

Dental professionals receive preparation on communication strategies and behavioral supports.

The Dental Home Project bridges a critical gap: while mobile clinics can address immediate needs, long-term oral health requires consistent preventive visits, follow-up care, and a provider who understands each child’s unique needs. For children with IDD—who often face additional barriers to continuity of care—this initiative is particularly transformative. Participating dentists receive guidance on inclusive care strategies, and families are supported in establishing lasting, trusted relationships, reducing the likelihood of dental emergencies and helping children build confidence and comfort over time.

By helping families overcome obstacles such as cost, provider availability, and IDD-related challenges, the Dental Home Project strengthens the impact of TeamSmile’s one-day programs and creates a sustainable model of year-round access and support.

Each of these specialized programs reflects TeamSmile’s broader commitment to equity: the belief that every child should have access to compassionate dental care—no matter their background, ability, or family circumstance. Dental disease is one of the most common chronic childhood conditions, yet also one of the most preventable. By dismantling barriers to care, TeamSmile not only treats cavities but also protects overall health, boosts confidence, and equips children with lifelong habits.

The impact extends past the dental chair. Teachers report improvements in classroom behavior when dental pain is resolved. Parents share stories of relief after months of worry. Athletes and volunteers often describe TeamSmile events as some of the most meaningful community engagement experiences of their careers. The ripple effects generate long-lasting benefits across entire communities.

Looking Ahead

With demand for services rising and IDD programming growing rapidly, TeamSmile is poised to expand its reach even further. The organization aims to increase the number of inclusive clinics from three to five in 2026, strengthen partnerships with school districts, and broaden its network of dental professionals trained in IDD-focused care. At the same time, the Dental Home Project—powered by DentaQuest/Sun Life—will continue to scale, ensuring that more children can transition from a one-time clinic experience to consistent, comprehensive dental care throughout the year.

In 2026, TeamSmile is expanding their team to be able to have two programs at a time and increasing from 33 programs in 2025 to 42-45 programs in 2026.  (Note that TeamSmile conducted 16 programs in 2023 and then grew to 25 programs in 2024.  We’re amid a significant growth phase).

As TeamSmile continues to innovate, its mission remains centered on a simple promise: that every child deserves to smile—freely, confidently, and without pain. TeamSmile’s work proves that when healthcare meets joy, community, and intentional inclusivity, the results are transformative. And for the children served, especially those with IDD—the impact lasts far beyond a single appointment.

As TeamSmile continues to expand its impact nationwide, we invite volunteers and Dental Homes to become part of our mission-driven community. Your involvement helps us ensure every child receives the care and support they deserve. To connect with us or explore opportunities, visit www.teamsmile.org.

About the Author

Angela Brewer is TeamSmile’s Director of Communications and Development.