When Dr. Ryan Shinska first visited Uganda in April 2012, he planned on serving as many patients as possible for a few weeks and heading back to America.

Three and a half years later, his life looks completely different. His initial visit showed him the overwhelming lack of dental care that is a reality for the people of   Uganda. But he believes that it doesn’t always have to be the case. In fact, he believes that quality dental care can be accessible to people all over the world…even in Uganda and other similar developing nations.

So in July 2013, Dr. Ryan left his job in America and moved to Uganda to start, lead and develop Hope Smiles’ first international clinic. He believes the inordinate amount of pain and shame resulting from dental problems can be significantly reduced through preventative education, sharing of resources, equipping of the existing dental health infrastructure, and (most importantly) a whole lot of love. His experience living and serving in Uganda the past 2+ years has proven that belief to be true.

Dr. Ryan and his growing staff have developed a trusted dental clinic for the people of Jinja, Uganda and its surrounding communities. The Hope Smiles team has traveled to the most remote parts of Uganda -- from remote islands in Lake Victoria to far western hill country. They offer quality dental care that includes not only extractions, but procedures like fillings and root canals, which restore smiles and hope to people who otherwise would not have access. We are grateful for our patients and the lives we have impacted.

Hope Smiles and Dr. Ryan are committed to developing and equipping Ugandan leaders who share our beliefs. Thankfully those are easy to find. Mentoring, teaching and equipping Ugandan dentists who will multiply our impact is what we do. Dr. Ryan has done it and will continue to do it by working alongside Ugandans and offering his education, skills, resources, and heart to everyone on our team. He also does it by teaching in the pediatric dental clinics at Makerere University in Kampala -- currently the only dental school in Uganda.

To continue our journey in Uganda, we need your help. The financial responsibilities associated with our services are always growing -- greater influence and impact result in the need for more space, supplies and staff. So we ask you to step into the story we are telling by helping us fund our 2016 operations. By doing so you will be impacting change for the people of Uganda.

Join us!