About Us

Finding Inspiration in Every Turn

Project SMILE (Stand for a Motivated and Inspired Life through Education) was founded in 1992 by dental hygienist SaRita Dean and her mother, the late Mrs. Willie Ruth. SaRita is the author of the popular children's book "Suga Mama: The Teeth Teasers," which features the character of Suga Mama, a dental hygiene superhero who teaches kids about the importance of taking care of their teeth.

SaRita, who is a dental hygienist for over 20 years, was inspired to create Project SMILE after seeing how many children lacked basic knowledge about dental hygiene and the impact that poor oral health can have on overall health and well-being.

The mission of Project SMILE is to promote healthy habits and positive self-image among young children through engaging and interactive programs and resources. Our goal is to help kids develop healthy habits for taking care of their teeth and to encourage them to make dental health a lifelong priority.

In addition to offering school visits, where our team of dental professionals and educators provide hands-on activities and lessons about dental health, Project SMILE also provides a variety of resources for teachers and parents to use with kids at home, including activity sheets, games, and educational videos featuring Suga Mama.

We believe that by providing kids with the knowledge and tools they need to maintain good oral health, we can help them lead happier, healthier lives. Thank you for supporting Project SMILE and our mission to promote dental health education among children.

SaRita Dean and Mrs. Willie Ruth, Founders of Project SMILE

Our Story

Over the years, Project SMILE has made a significant impact on the communities it serves, helping to improve the oral health of thousands of individuals and families. Its efforts have been recognized and supported by a variety of organizations, including local schools, community centers, and dental practices. The program's success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of SaRita Dean and Mrs. Willie Ruth, and their commitment to improving the lives of others through education and access to quality dental care.

engagement.