Our Story

From a young age, I learned the value of truly caring for others and that making a difference often starts with the smallest acts of compassion. But sometimes, life presents challenges that require more than kindness; they demand action.

A few years ago, my family experienced one of those challenges. A close family member suffered from severe dental problems that led to complications beyond anything we could have imagined—heart failure. It was a devastating moment, not only for the pain and loss it caused but for the realization that something as seemingly preventable as oral health could have such a profound impact on overall health.

At first, it felt like an isolated, personal tragedy. But one evening, as I shared this with my best friend, who was then a dental student, a bigger picture began to emerge. He explained how oral health is deeply connected to systemic health, and yet, it remains one of the most overlooked aspects of healthcare. We talked about how many people in Greece and around the world suffer from preventable oral diseases, often because they lack access to basic dental care or simply don’t know how critical dental hygiene is.

That conversation stuck with me. I started researching, reading, and talking to experts. What I discovered was staggering: untreated oral diseases aren’t just painful or inconvenient—they’re linked to conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer. And yet, millions of people, particularly in underserved communities, remain unaware of how important preventive dentistry is. I couldn’t stop thinking about this. I kept asking myself:

What if we could prevent another family from going through the pain mine endured? What if raising awareness and improving access to dental health education could make a real difference in people’s lives?

Those questions led to the founding of the Better Smile Foundation. Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to raise awareness about the importance of preventive dentistry and ensure that everyone, no matter their background or circumstances, has the knowledge they need to protect their oral health.

One year ago, the challenge was figuring out where to begin. We began small, organizing educational sessions in schools and local communities, helping children and families understand the basics of dental hygiene. But as we connected with more people, the scope of the problem became clearer. In Greece alone, studies show that many children and adults suffer from untreated oral diseases, often because they don’t realize how preventable these issues can be.

The more we learn, the more committed we become. Oral health isn’t just about teeth; it’s about dignity, confidence, and overall well-being. It’s about giving every individual the chance to live a healthier life.

Looking back, what started as a deeply personal loss has grown into something much bigger than I could have imagined. Our journey won’t be easy, but it’s worth every step. Today, we continue to expand our reach, driven by the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to smile without pain or fear.

And it all started with a single moment of reflection, a conversation with a friend, and the hope that together, we can create a world where oral health will not be an afterthought but a priority.