From Partnership to Lasting Impact Across Africa

What if every appointment booked, every patient served and every investment made in a dental practice could help change lives around the world? Through SupportDDS, that impact extends far beyond business. Our clients gain dedicated remote teams that improve efficiency, reduce costs and support growth. At the same time, they help fuel a greater purpose through The51, our commitment to invest 51% of our profits in initiatives that transform lives.

In 2025, SupportDDS joined forces with Smile Brands and the Smiles for Everyone Foundation, led by Steve Bilt, around a shared belief: everyone deserves a healthy smile. Through this partnership, $300,000 has been invested to help deliver an estimated $7.5 million in dental care, a return of $25 in care for every $1 donated. That commitment is supporting the development of four Dental Outposts in Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Costa Rica. These outposts are designed to do more than provide occasional treatment. They strengthen local teams, expand clinical capacity and create sustainable pathways to care for communities that might otherwise continue living with preventable pain.

Norm Schulz, Executive Director of the Smiles for Everyone Foundation, recently visited the African outposts and partners to see how that commitment is taking shape.

In Rwanda, the impact is already visible. Under Dr. Jesse’s leadership, a growing local team is using SupportDDS-supported mobile units, instruments and equipment to reach underserved rural communities. Young dental professionals are taking greater ownership, while a potential partnership with a Kigali dental facility could extend care and training throughout the year.

Zimbabwe is building momentum under Dr. Freeblessing’s leadership. With another outreach planned for October, the focus is on strengthening clinical training, improving the movement of supplies and equipment, and establishing a consistent outreach programme. Opportunities to collaborate with Zambia on logistics and regional resources could further support its growth.

In Zambia, Norm’s visit highlighted the opportunity to bring mobile dental care to rural communities through Martin and the Kachele Development Program. Its trusted network across five districts in Eastern Province provides a strong foundation for reaching people who currently travel considerable distances for treatment. The next step is to establish the equipment, systems and local partnerships needed to build the programme sustainably.

Each country is at a different stage, but the purpose is shared: to equip local leaders with the tools, skills and infrastructure they need to serve their communities for years to come.

This is what makes every SupportDDS partnership bigger than business. It is a win for our clients through greater efficiency and growth, a win for our team members through careers connected to purpose, and a win for communities gaining access to life-changing care. Four outposts are only the beginning. The need remains great, but so does the opportunity to restore dignity, relieve pain and create healthier futures, one smile at a time.