UNSPOKEN SMILES

Unspoken Smiles is more than just a dental clinic; it's a movement toward a healthier, more sustainable future. However, to bring this ambitious project to fruition, Unspoken Smiles is calling on the public for support. Donations are urgently needed to fund crucial building renovations, acquire dental equipment, and secure necessary supplies. Join us in making a difference. Support Unspoken Smiles today. Donate Here: https://gofund.me/a6fd3a61

As the Founder of UNSPOKEN SMILES, I am deeply humbled to witness and contribute to the adoption of the Bangkok Declaration at the World Health Organization Global Oral Health Meeting. This is more than a moment in history—it is the realization of a lifelong mission to elevate oral health to the global stage. Why This Matters: The Bangkok Declaration solidifies oral health as a key priority in Universal Health Coverage (UHC), ensuring millions worldwide can access the care they need. It’s a monumental step, but the work doesn’t stop here. Now, it’s up to us to show why oral health matters on local and national levels. At Unspoken Smiles, we are ready to lead the way. With our innovative clinic model and our recent partnership with ULACIT, we are better positioned than ever to turn global commitments into tangible, life-changing action for communities. This journey—from advocating for oral health after the devastating Haiti earthquake to now standing alongside world leaders in Bangkok—proves the power of persistence, collaboration, and purpose. Let’s continue to advocate, innovate, and create a future where every smile is celebrated and cared for. Together, we can build healthier communities and a healthier world. #BangkokDeclaration #UnspokenSmiles #OralHealthForAll #WHO #GlobalHealth #HealthEquity #TogetherForHealth #NoHealthWithoutOralHealth #OralHealthMatters #ChangeMakers #ulacit #costarica

Over 10 years ago, I stood on the stage at the world’s largest youth conference at the United Nations, delivering my very first ever speech. My topic? Raising awareness about oral health in the aftermath of the devastating Haiti earthquake — a tragedy that changed my life forever and gave birth to UNSPOKEN SMILES. At the time, people often questioned why I kept going back and chose to bring oral health to the UN, saying it would never be a global priority. The most common response I heard was, “Keep up the good work.” Today, I’m in Bangkok, Thailand, at the world’s first-ever World Health Organization Global Oral Health Meeting. For the first time in history, oral health is being recognized as a key priority in Universal Health Coverage (UHC), with the adoption of a declaration that will impact millions of lives. Under my leadership, Unspoken Smiles has grown to become the world’s first and leading oral health organization accredited by UN ECOSOC, the UN Global Compact, and the UN DGC. I’m also proud to serve as an inaugural member of the WHO Civil Society Organization Commission, where we continue to push for the integration of oral health into global policy frameworks. This moment, witnessing history in the making, was worth every ounce of persistence and patience. To everyone who believed in this mission along the way: thank you. And to those still wondering if change is possible, let this serve as proof — the impossible is always worth pursuing. #unspokensmiles #costarica #GlobalOralHealthMeeting2024 #UHCforOralHealth #OralHealthForAll #GlobalOralHealthActionPlan #GlobalCoalitionOnOralHealth #BangkokDeclarationOnOralHealth #PrimaryHealthCare #NCD #RoadTo2025 #4thUNHLMonNCDs #UHC2030 #HealthforAll

Nos enorgullece anunciar nuestra alianza con UNSPOKEN SMILES, una iniciativa global comprometida con la salud oral como un derecho universal. Juntos, estamos construyendo un futuro más saludable y sostenible, empoderando a los líderes del ma?ana y alineándonos con las prioridades globales de salud de la OMS. Destacamos especialmente el liderazgo visionario de la Dra. Eva Cortés, Decana de la Facultad de Odontología de ULACIT, quien está marcando la diferencia con su dedicación a la excelencia académica y el impacto en la comunidad. ?Gracias, Dra. Cortés! Esta alianza permitirá expandir el Programa de Becas de ULACIT, y apoyar los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible de la ONU brindando una atención sanitaria equitativa y accesible para todos.

Transforming Oral Health in Costa Rica: UNSPOKEN SMILES x ULACIT Join us as we celebrate a groundbreaking partnership between Unspoken Smiles, the leading global oral health organization in consultative status with the UN ECOSOC, and ULACIT, Central America’s top private university for 14 years! Special recognition to Dr. Eva Cortes, Dean of ULACIT Dental School, for her visionary leadership in combining academic excellence with a commitment to community impact. ?? Watch the full story now and share the impact! #OralHealth #GlobalHealth #UnspokenSmiles #ULACIT #CommunityImpact #SDGs #WHO #GlobalOralHealthMeeting2024 #UHCforOralHealth #OralHealthForAll #GlobalOralHealthActionPlan #GlobalCoalitionOnOralHealth #BangkokDeclarationOnOralHealth #PrimaryHealthCare #NCD #RoadTo2025 #4thUNHLMonNCDs #UHC2030 #HealthforAll

I am incredibly proud to announce a historic partnership between UNSPOKEN SMILES and Universidad Latinoamericana de la Ciencia y la Tecnología (ULACIT), the #1 private university in Central America for 14 consecutive years. This collaboration marks a monumental step forward in advancing oral health education and care in Costa Rica, creating a ripple effect of positive change for generations to come. At Unspoken Smiles, we are aligned with the World Health Organization’s Priority of addressing oral health as a critical component of overall well-being. This partnership brings us closer to achieving that goal by: 1) Expanding our Fellowship Program from 6 to 40 passionate students, equipping them with the skills to become oral health leaders. 2) Raising awareness about oral health as a vital part of preventive care, in alignment with the WHO’s Global Oral Health Action Plan. 3) Building a sustainable, scalable model that supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), fostering health equity and community resilience. This is not just about addressing oral health disparities—it’s about empowering communities, fostering education, and creating a lasting impact on families across Costa Rica. I want to extend a special thanks to Dr. Eva Cortes, Dean of ULACIT Dental School, for her visionary leadership in promoting not just academic excellence but also a deep commitment to community impact. Her dedication to bridging education and meaningful action inspires us all and has made this partnership possible. Together, we are contributing to the WHO’s vision of universal health coverage, ensuring that oral health becomes a recognized and prioritized element of global health policy. This partnership is a testament to what can be achieved when institutions unite around shared values and a vision for a healthier, brighter future. It’s an honor to collaborate with such dedicated partners to bring lasting change to individuals and families in Costa Rica. Together, we’re not just building healthier smiles—we’re building stronger, healthier communities. #CommunityImpact #OralHealth #WHOGlobalHealthPriority #SDG3 #ULACIT #UnspokenSmiles #CostaRica

Jean Paul Laurent, Founder of Unspoken Smiles, presented the Zero Cavity Initiative to Mr. Juan Diego Gómez, Vicepresidente del Concejo Municipal de San Jose and Mr. Pedro Sosa, Rector of Cosmic Institute of Technology. This bold plan aims to make San José the world’s first cavity-free capital, providing free dental care to over 150,000 schoolchildren in 888 MEP schools. Join us as we work together to create a healthier future—one smile at a time. Learn more: www.unspokensmiles.cr Follow: @unspokensmilescr #unspokensmilescr

Hoy tuve el honor de dirigirme al Concejo Municipal de San José para presentar una visión audaz: convertir a San José en la primera capital del mundo libre de caries dental a través de la Iniciativa Cero Caries de UNSPOKEN SMILES. Este proyecto innovador brindará atención dental preventiva gratuita a más de 150,000 ni?os escolares en las 888 escuelas del MEP en San José, transformando vidas y creando un futuro más saludable para las próximas generaciones. Juntos, podemos convertir los desafíos en oportunidades y garantizar acceso, asequibilidad y calidad en el cuidado dental para todos. Hagamos historia—una sonrisa a la vez. #UnspokenSmiles #IniciativaCeroCaries #SanJoséLibreDeCaries #CostaRica

I had the extraordinary privilege of meeting President Nayib Bukele during his historic visit to Costa Rica. ?????????? President Bukele was awarded Costa Rica’s highest honor for a foreigner, recognizing his enormous and historic contribution not only to the security of El Salvador but to the safety and progress of the entire Central American region. This moment was a powerful testament to his leadership and vision for a brighter future for all. As we celebrated this milestone, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by what lies ahead. I look forward to collaborating with President Bukele and his team to help El Salvador achieve its next global milestone: access to oral health for every child in the nation. Together, we will continue building a legacy of health, security, and opportunity for generations to come. Let’s make history—one smile at a time. #NayibBukele #jeanpaullaurent #CostaRica #ElSalvador #CentralAmerica #OralHealth #HistoricMoments #UnspokenSmiles