Our Story | Mission & History

Transforming Smiles. Changing Lives.

One Child. One Smile. One Life Changed.

TeamSmile is the nation’s leading nonprofit that brings together oral health professionals and professional sports teams to deliver life-changing dental care to underserved children. By partnering with major athletic organizations, we create unforgettable experiences that connect children, dental providers, community partners, and athletes—reinforcing the vital link between oral health and overall well-being.

At every TeamSmile program, children receive free dental screenings, preventive education, and comprehensive treatment—all in a fun, uplifting environment. More than just a one-day event, each program delivers a powerful message: a healthy smile is key to a healthy life.

Since 2007, TeamSmile has hosted over 325 programs, served more than 60,000 children, and provided over $22 million in free dental care and education across the country.

Our Values

Clinical Standards:

No compromise. Our volunteer dentists, dental assistants, dental hygienists, and educators provide the highest level of care. We utilize mobile dental equipment to see our patients in non-traditional dental environments, using industry-leading materials because all of our patients deserve the best in oral health.

Community Passion:

We immerse ourselves, along with our pro-athletic partners, into the community. The linkage between athletes, dental care providers, and the community in need provides the inspiration and tools to make a difference in the total health and education of thousands of the communities’ most underserved children.

Continuity of Care:

Our experiences are more than just one day. The goal of each program is to establish a dental home for each child treated, helping to ensure improved oral health and wellness for a life time.

Collaboration:

We create partnerships between volunteer clinicians, local dental homes, and families, based on our vision and mission placing the needs of underserved children first.

Our History

Empowering Smiles Since 2007

In the past few years, the serious even fatal consequence of deferred dental care in young people has received growing attention in the United States. In areas where economic hardship is at its highest, oral health care is not seen as a priority in the spectrum of preventative health care needs. A case where a boy died as the result of an untreated abscessed tooth brought this problem to light on NBC’s Nightly News with Brian Williams. This story inspired people, including a Kansas City dentist, Dr. Bill Busch, to reach out to members of the dental community to find a way to make a difference right here in their communities.

TeamSmile was created with the mission of facilitating partnerships between dental professionals, pro sports teams, and dental organizations. The goal of these partnerships is to provide life-changing dental care and instruction to children in their communities who otherwise would not have access to it. TeamSmile believes education is key in making children aware of how important dental care is to their over-all health both now and into their future.

In 2007 the first TeamSmile outreach was hosted by the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs organization promoted a one-day event where dental volunteers provided outreach services at Arrowhead Stadium. On this day, over one hundred children were screened, treated, and educated on the importance of oral health. This event has turned into an annual outreach program supported by the Kansas City Chiefs. TeamSmile has evolved from an event-driven concept to a formal nonprofit organization dedicated to using the power of professional sports teams to draw at-risk children into their first contact with dental care.

From Vision To Impact