Scores of residents in Clarke’s Town, Trelawny, and its environs are set to benefit from free dental services during the Great Shape! Inc. 1000 Smiles dental clinic.

The five-day engagement, which will be held at the New Testament Church of God in Clarke’s Town, from October 2 to 6, will be led by a team of 55 professional and student dental care volunteers from the United States of America (USA), Canada, and the Caribbean.

Among the services to be provided are fillings, cleanings, and extractions. The clinic is being staged in collaboration with the Sandals Foundation.

Public relations manager for the Sandals Foundation, Patrice Gilpin, noted: “These annual clinics are for many families the only opportunity to have their dental needs met. We are eternally grateful to the incredible team of local and international volunteers who give of their time to serve – improving the oral and ultimately the overall health of families within our communities.”

Twenty-year partnership

The Sandals Foundation supports the operational needs of the clinic by providing accommodations, in-country transportation and food to the Great Shape Inc! organisation on its annual missions to the region.

This year, Great Shape’s partnership with the Sandals Resorts International brand celebrates 20 years of serving communities in Jamaica and the Caribbean.

Founding executive director of Great Shape! Inc., Joseph Wright, says that he is extremely elated to be returning to this part of the island with the 1000 Smiles Project for the first time since 2020.

“This will be our first time operating in this particular community where we know there is much need. Good dental care is particularly important as it has a huge impact on an individual’s overall health and for that reason it always gives our team such joy in helping persons address their most dire dental needs.”

Of course, Wright was also thankful to Jamaican officials, as well as Sandals for their continued partnership.

Great Shape! Inc.’s 1000 Smiles Project provides free access to dental care services to families in the Caribbean. The project targets rural areas that have limited access to these provisions.

The project is an initiative by Great Shape! Inc., a USA-based non-profit organisation.

The Great Shape! Inc. 1000 Smiles Project dental clinics are also held in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the University of Technology (UTech).