A Smile Story
October 14, 2025A few months ago, Ana and her two younger sisters arrived at El Hogar as part of our residential program. As the oldest, Ana had to show incredible courage to help her sisters, and herself, start a new chapter in their lives.
From the moment she arrived at El Hogar, it was clear that Ana was a bright, kind-hearted girl. But one thing was missing: her smile.
When they arrive at El Hogar, every new student receives a full medical and dental evaluation. During this evaluation, Dr. Nora, our resident dentist, discovered the extent of the damage to Ana’s front teeth. Years of untreated cavities had left them severely decayed, taking a visible toll on her health and her confidence.
Restoring Ana’s smile became an urgent mission. We knew this wasn’t just a dental procedure. For Ana, it would be life changing.
The first time she smiled after her treatment, no words were needed. Her joy spoke for itself. Then she smiled again. And again. A full, radiant smile that lit up the room.
Since then, Ana has flourished. She participates more actively in group activities, supports the younger children, and speaks up in class with growing confidence. Her new smile didn’t just fix her teeth, it helped heal her spirit.
Ana’s journey is a powerful reminder that something as seemingly simple as a smile can restore dignity, unlock hope, and transform a life. This is the impact of compassionate, community-driven care.
Since 2008, El Hogar’s dental clinic has provided free, quality care to students, expanding in 2018 to include staff and their families for a small fee. Under Dr. Nora’s leadership, the clinic has become a trusted part of our community. Now, in partnership with Sharing Smiles, we are building a new community clinic, Sonrisas El Hogar, on the site of the former visitor house in Tegucigalpa.
Construction will start at the end of this calendar year while school is on winter break. This new, custom-built facility with 4 dental chairs will allow us to reach up to 600 patients a year, tripling our current capacity. By offering services at below-market fees, Sonrisas El Hogar will continue to prioritize our students while expanding access to quality dental care for underserved families, fostering healthier smiles and stronger communities. Sonrisas El Hogar will redefine what’s possible, one smile at a time.
