Thousands of residents are set to benefit from this month’s return of the 1000 Smiles free dental programme of United States-based organization, Great Shape! Inc. made possible by the philanthropic arm of the Beaches Turks and Caicos Resorts – the Sandals Foundation. 

Scheduled for the Jericho Baptist in Lower Bight Providenciales from October 10 to 21, the 14-day oral health care clinic will serve children and adults from schools, communities and churches providing fillings, extractions, cleaning, root canals, dental sealants, and preventative oral care education.

Last year, more than 2,000 residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands were treated to world class dental care from the Great Shape! Inc. team comprising volunteers from the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. 

The initiative, which is endorsed by the Ministry of Health is described by Joseph Wright, Founding Executive Director of Great Shape! Inc. as key to geared at supporting the overall health and wellbeing of families that need it most. 

“When decay is prevented on the chewing surfaces of the molars, the teeth are protected for years to come. This becomes especially important to families who are not able to make regular visits to the dentist. Preventing excess decay reduces the risk of rampant bacteria formation in the mouth thereby reducing risks of other health complications, including a stressed immune system.”

General Manager at the Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort and Sandals Foundation Ambassador, James McAnally shared, “The mission of Beaches Turks and Caicos is always towards giving the best service available to those we serve and being able to partner with Great Shape! Inc. is one such venture that allows us the ability to serve our communities. We are happy to do our part creating a strong health foundation for our children to grow.”  
 

For years, Sandals and Beaches Resorts have partnered with Great Shape! Inc. to provide much needed health services to Caribbean communities in which it operates a resort. Starting in Jamaica in 2003, the teams have provided dental and eye care services to over 300,000  families in the islands of St. Lucia, Barbados, Antigua, Grenada and Turks and Caicos’ Islands. 

To make appointments for this clinic, residents are being asked to send a message by WhatsApp or text to 345 7631. Clinics will operate from 9:00AM to 2:00PM Mondays to Fridays.