For the first time, the New Smiles Expedition is bringing oral healthcare to remote riverside communities in Brazil’s North Region, where access to healthcare remains extremely limited.
Curitiba / Lago Do Anama / Brazil 16 May 2026.
What began more than 10 years ago as a local outreach initiative supported by Neodent has evolved into a broader program now funded by the Straumann Group Foundation and supported through a strong network of local partners and volunteers. This new phase reflects a shared commitment to improving access to oral health for underserved communities across Brazil.
The first activities took place in Lago do Anamã, in the interior of Amazonas. In partnership with the NGO Barco Sorriso, the program is reaching communities that often have little or no regular access to dental care. The initiative combines treatment, prevention, and oral health awareness, while also helping strengthen continuity of care in regions that are difficult to access. More than 400 people have already benefited from the initiative, with many more expected to be reached in the coming months.
The launch of this new three-year program phase brought together around 60 volunteers, whose dedication forms the foundation of the outreach activities. The mission was also accompanied by Dr. Geninho Thomé, founder of Neodent, who participated directly in patient treatment, alongside Alexei Costa, Executive Chairman of Neodent and Head of LATAM Region Straumann Group, Jana Erdmann, Deputy Director of the Straumann Group Foundation, Alice Soares, Neodent Program Manager for the New Smiles Expedition, and several Neodent colleagues contributing as volunteers.
This new chapter reflects the shared commitment of the Straumann Group Foundation, Neodent, local partners, and volunteers to improving access to oral health and enhancing quality of life for underserved populations. It also highlights the importance of long-term partnerships and community-based approaches in creating sustainable impact.
The activities in Lago do Anamã continues until May 15. Throughout the year, the program will further expand into remote communities across Brazil’s North and Northeast regions.
At the same time, the program’s mobile dental unit is currently operating in Caruaru, Pernambuco, during the São João de Caruaru festival, where care and oral health awareness activities will continue until June 26.
By combining mobile outreach, prevention, education, and local partnerships, the New Smiles Expedition continues to expand access to oral health for communities that are too often left behind.
