Smiles for Success: Empowering Women, Transforming Lives
For thirty years, Smiles for Success (SFS)—the nonprofit foundation arm of the American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD)—has provided cost-free dental care to women transitioning from welfare to work. With every patient served, SFS restores not only oral health, but confidence, dignity, and the power to pursue new opportunities. A healthy smile can open doors, and for the women we support, it often marks the beginning of a new chapter: one free from oral pain, dental disease, and the barriers these challenges create.
A Reignited Mission in Massachusetts
In 2025, the Massachusetts Dental Society Foundation (MDSF) awarded SFS a generous grant that helped reinvigorate the program across the state. This funding enabled essential restructuring, expanded outreach, and improved our processes for identifying women in need. As a result, more women in Massachusetts now have meaningful access to critical oral health care—and the chance to step into their future with confidence.
Our hardworking board is deeply grateful to our Massachusetts volunteer clinicians Dr. Khara Gresham (Boston) and Dr. Divya Mudumba (Berkshire County), who volunteered their expertise and their hearts to provide treatment and community outreach. Their dedication has helped spread awareness of the life-changing work SFS does every day.
Celebrating 30 Years—and Looking Forward
As we celebrate three decades of empowering women through oral health, the SFS program enters the post-pandemic era with renewed strength and purpose. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Janis Moriarty, MDSF Chair and proud AAWD member, and to the full MDSF Board for believing in our mission and supporting our efforts in Massachusetts.
Though our progress is inspiring, we know our work—both here and across the country—has only just begun. With the momentum of the past year, we are committed to forging ahead and expanding our reach to more women whose lives can be transformed through compassionate dental care.
How You Can Help This Holiday Season
This season of giving is the perfect moment to help SFS continue its life-changing work:
Your gift will bring healthy, confident smiles to women who need them most.
Make a donation: https://smilesforsuccess.org/campaigns/smiles-for-success/
Your skills could change the course of someone’s life.
Become a volunteer dentist: https://forms.gle/CEeT5nNHGs3ZQ8zM9
If you know a woman who would benefit from SFS services, please reach out. We are here to help.
Refer someone in need: info@smilesforsuccess.org
From all of us at Smiles for Success, thank you for your continued support and belief in our mission. Wishing you and your loved ones a warm, joyful, and safe Holiday Season.