Join Our Mission

Volunteering with NMS

As a volunteer you are directly changing and improving the lives of individuals who do not have access to basic healthcare, especially dental care.

NMS volunteers work directly with under serviced communities in Jamaica. Such individuals may be able to smile for the first time in a long time, be able to eat properly and be able to interact more productively with their community after receiving dental care and dental appliances.

Each one of our volunteers, whether they are dental students or well-established dentists with their own successful practice in Canada, comes away from the NMS volunteer experience feeling more fullfilled and with renewed sense of why they choose a profession in healthcare in the first place.

What Our Volunteers Say

Dana P. RDH
NMS Volunteer

“My experience with NMS in Jamaica was incredible! After we had transformed an empty room to a beautiful functioning dental clinic, we started providing dental treatments to the local people of Jamaica, people of all ages. Thanks to Kimberly, the donations and the awesome people with huge hearts who participated in the mission, we could provide the best care to as many people as possible. 

There is so much to share about this astonishing experience. However, I’ll share only two things that I’ll never forget!

The first unforgettable experience for me, was when we checked the blood pressure of this gentleman, the reading was dangerously high. We told him that he must go see a doctor, and on his way to the hospital he got a heart attack. Lucky he was close enough to the hospital, there he got the care he needed and that SAVED HIS LIFE.  I must say that there is no greater satisfaction like helping someone winning life.  

The second unforgettable experience was the dental work we did.   We extracted teeth that caused pain and filled the decayed teeth so people can live their life  pain free, and with confidence.

We also provided dental cleaning and oral health education so people could keep their natural teeth for as long as possible and smile with confidence. Last but definitely not least, our dental technicians had created dentures so the ones in need could spread their smiles and eat the food they like.  

I highly recommend to anyone to join the team, as it is an unforgettable experience! “

Brit N.
NMS Volunteer

“In 2016, I had the privilege of volunteering with Nine Miles of Smiles, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing essential dental care to underserved communities in Jamaica. Nine Miles of Smiles operates with a clear mission: to ensure as many people as possible have access to quality dental care. It’s not just about treating immediate dental issues; it’s also about educating communities about oral health as best as possible and equipping individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to maintain healthy smiles for years to come. 

While volunteering, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact of their services. From children receiving their first dental check-ups to adults finding relief from chronic dental pain, each patient’s story was a testament to the care NMS offers. It was so heartwarming to see the relationships that Kimmy has made over the years and the impact she has had on so many families and individuals. 

My experience with Nine Miles of Smiles has left a lasting impression on me. Their dedication to providing oral care and helping so many people each year is nothing short of inspiring. I wholeheartedly recommend supporting this organization, whether through volunteering, donations, or spreading awareness. Together, we can help them continue their vital work and bring smiles to even more people in need. “

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    Fran A. PDA

    “Volunteering in Jamaica has impacted me, both personally and professionally. I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer as a dental assistant a few times over the years. It was both eye-opening and humbling to see the difference we could make in the lives of the people we met, one smile at a time. As a volunteer dental assistant, I was involved in various tasks, from preparing dental instruments to assisting dentists during procedures. Each day was a learning curve, filled with opportunities to improve my skills and understand the intricacies of dental health care in a very different setting. What made the experience truly enriching was the connection with the people. Despite the language barrier and cultural differences, the gratitude and warmth we received were overwhelming. Seeing our work's immediate impact on the patients’ health was incredibly rewarding. Their smiles were a testament to the importance of global health initiatives and the powerful role of volunteerism in bridging healthcare gaps.”

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    Nicole L. PDA

    “I had the honor of volunteering for MMS for 2 yrs. At first I didn’t know what to expect, and was very intimidated. Once we arrived I was welcomed with open arms. I was amazed at how well we all got along and worked together to set up the clinic. On the first day of seeing patients, I was in awe of how they were so grateful that we were there to help them get out of pain. It was truly a great experience. I was very fortunate to have a boss that helped with this adventure. I've met so many great people that have become friends. This organization is so well run and organized. These are memories I will treasure forever”

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    Maria V. RDT, Denturist

    “My experience volunteering in Jamaica with Nine Miles of Smiles touched my heart in ways I never imagined. Having the privilege of helping restore the smiles of those in need, along with their confidence, is something I’ll never forget. Witnessing the gratitude and joy on the faces of those who received our denture services was incredibly rewarding. But beyond the amazing outcomes, what truly stood out to me was the feeling of belonging and unity among the volunteers. Working alongside dedicated individuals who shared the same passion for serving others made the experience even more meaningful. I would encourage anyone considering volunteering with Nine Miles of Smiles to take the leap and join this remarkable journey. Contributing to the well-being and happiness of others is something that can only fill us with satisfaction and happiness.”

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    Jovie Ann G. RRDH

    “Getting to be on the NMS team was the most enriching experience of my adult life. I only remember the amazing people I met and helped while in Jamaica. Being a part of NMS will forever hold a special place in my heart and is an experience I hope to be a part of again!”

Join NMS Today

If you are a dental student or dental professional that wants to work with our team, apply to become a volunteer with NMS today and work directly with under serviced communities and change lives.

The Wendy Chan Scholarship

Nine Miles of Smiles has created a scholarship in memory of Wendy Chan, a treasured member of the NMS team who we lost in 2021 to ALS. We welcome current  dental health students in Canada and Jamaica to apply.