Global Miles for Smiles
Our Impact
10,000+ people treated in Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan
25-30 volunteers for each mission
15 + missions completed
Interested in Contributing?
Mission Statement:
To provide training and preventive care for refugees and host communities in need around the world.
Vision Statement:
Education and Oral health should be available for all people around the world.
Who We Are
The University at Buffalo Miles for Smiles program is a bi-annual mission aimed at delivering free dental care and education to Syrian refugees. Under the leadership of Dr. Othman Shibly, Miles for Smiles is training volunteers and teachers at refugee camps in Lebanon to perform basic education and oral health care.
Since the Syrian crisis began in 2011, Miles for Smiles has provided treatment for thousands of refugees through medical missions in Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon. To further meet the growing need, Miles for Smiles has opened two full-time clinics in Turkey which provide free dental care to thousands of refugees.
These missions are possible because of the selfless volunteers and organizations who are committed to helping those in need. One such organization is the Alliance for the Oral Health, an organization that includes more than 30 Universities around the world who provide dental care for people living in conflict zones.
Our Missions
February 2019
In February 2019, UB Miles for Smiles finished establishing the first Dental clinic to serve Yzzidi refugee community in Khanke Camp in Dohuk Iraq Kurdistan. This was the result of the sincere efforts and collaboration between Global Mothers initiatives (British NGO that runs support unit to help the Yezidi women refugees), UB Dental School, Dohuk University Dental College and Henry Schein Cares Program.
October 2018
In October 2018, Global Miles for Smiles completed its 6th Miles for Smiles Mission. During this mission, 987 Syrian refugees and Lebanese children were treated. There were a number of things that made this outreach event unique including:
Community healthcare workers [CHWs] from amongst the refugee population were trained by our volunteer dentists to help provide refugee dental care on a daily basis.
Our work will not be limited to only two trips a year, instead, our work will continue all year around.
The excursion was not limited to refugees, but also includes treatment of those in need from the host community.
APRIL - MAY 2018
Miles for Smiles completed its 15th mission to the area and expanded care to teenagers and children with disabilities. The trip ran from April 30 to May 6, delivering treatment to 900 refugee children and 300 children with disabilities who attend Ecole Saint Maxime Kfarchima in Beirut, Lebanon.
Volunteers from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, King's College London Dental Institute, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, and individual practitioners from the United States, France and Kuwait helped fix cavities, perform extractions, deliver oral health education and more.
October 2017
Since 2012, Dr. Shibly has helped open more than 20 dental clinics in Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon; and formed 15 schools in Syria that have taught more than 5,000 children.
A Glimpse Into the Lives of Syrian Refugees
Miles For Smiles In The News
Our Sponsors
Logistics and support were organized by the Syrian American Medical Society, Multi Aid Programs and other NGOs.
To date, more than $200,000 worth of dental supplies and equipment has been donated by Henry Schein, the world’s largest provider of healthcare products and services.
Founder & Program Director
Othman Shibly, DDS, MS
Clinical Professor, Department of Periodontics and Endodontics
