Minister of Health, Sir Molwyn Joseph has expressed sincere appreciation to the Sandals Foundation and Great Shape Inc. for collaborating with the Ministry of Health to deliver a landmark dental outreach initiative, 1000 smiles dental, which has significantly expanded access to oral healthcare for citizens and residents of Antigua and Barbuda.
The Minister noted that the partnership resulted in the delivery of free dental care and oral health services being provided to citizens and residents with a value of more than USD $1,577,834 in just two weeks. The dental clinic was held at the Multipurpose Cultural and Exhibition Centre from January 19 to 30 and demonstrated the powerful impact of public-private collaboration in advancing national health outcomes.
During the two-week period, 3,575 Antiguans benefited from 100 percent free dental care and oral health education, while 8,481 individual dental services were delivered to 1,596 patients—services that would have cost millions of dollars if accessed privately.
Services provided during the clinic included:
Cleanings: 728
Extractions: 1,020
Root canals: 46
Fillings: 586
Fluoride treatments: 493
Sealants: 463
X-rays: 1,026
The Minister applauded members of the public for stepping forward in large numbers to take advantage of the opportunity, noting that the strong turnout reflected both public confidence in the programme.
In addition to clinical care, the initiative placed strong emphasis on prevention and education. A total of 7,561 oral hygiene kits—including toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss—were distributed, and 2,707 children received oral health education, equipping the next generation with the tools and knowledge needed to maintain healthy smiles.
The success of the clinic was made possible through the dedication of 121 volunteer dental professionals, whose expertise and commitment helped to restore smiles, relieve pain, and improve quality of life across communities.
At the same time, Sir Molwyn expressed concern that the volume of patients served highlights a deeper issue—that many people in Antigua and Barbuda require dental care but are unable to afford it under normal circumstances. He urged individuals to continue taking advantage of services offered through the clinics, emphasizing the importance of early treatment and preventive care.
Given the scale of need demonstrated, the Minister indicated that the Government will initiate the expansion of dental and oral health services, including strengthening sustainable delivery within the public healthcare system.
Sir Molwyn Joseph further noted that the outcomes of the programme align closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 which aims to ensure that healthcare is affordable, accessible and receives the care that they need.
He also highlighted that this initiative comes on the heels of another successful clinic held in May 2025, delivered in collaboration with United Hands Inc. and the Seventh-day Adventist Church, reinforcing the value of nonprofit and faith-based partnerships in extending healthcare access.
The Minister reaffirmed that the Ministry of Health intends to attract and support similar collaborations in the future, recognizing that strong partnerships remain essential to ensuring equitable, accessible, and quality healthcare for all Antiguans and Barbudans.
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