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55+
patients treated
$500K+
in donated equipment
60+
professionals trained
3
years of mission work
About Us

Our Mission

Smiling Surgeons bridges the gap between medical need and access. We connect local clinics and global expert volunteers to provide life-changing surgeries and critical care in resource-limited settings. Through training, infrastructure support, and advocacy, our mission is sustainable transformation—not temporary fixes.

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Volunteer Impact

Each mission brings together compassionate experts dedicated to transforming lives through free dental and surgical care.

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Building Futures

By supporting education and healthcare access, we help communities move from pain to possibility.

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Team Members

Smiling Surgeons Team

Dr. Tania Nkungula

Dr. Tania Nkungula

President & Co-Founder

From Malawi to the U.S., Dr. Tania Nkungula leads with heart—uniting global care through Smiling Surgeons.

Dr. Shelby Curtis

Dr. Shelby Curtis

Vice President & Co-Founder

From the Navy to global missions, Dr. Shelby Curtis inspires healing through service and surgical mastery.

Dr Patricia Miller

Dr. Patricia Miller

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

With over 30 years of excellence, Dr. Patricia Miller advances oral surgery through leadership, advocacy, and care.

Dr. Larry Bryant DDS

Dr. Larry Bryant, DDS

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

Respected for his skill and care, Dr. Larry Bryant brings two decades of trusted oral surgery to his community.

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Charity Services

From Preparation to Celebration — The Journey of Smiling Surgeons

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Join the Mission

Share your skills, medical expertise, or fundraising talents to directly impact our mission...

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Pre-Mission

Help us assemble essential medical supplies to ensure our surgical teams have everything...

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Join Us In Malawi

Are you a medical professional with a passion for global health? Do you crave a truly impactful...

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Celebrate Success, Share Stories:

At Smiling Surgeons, our mission doesn't end with the last surgery performed...

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See Our Work

Lives Touched, Smiles Restored — Our Recent Mission Highlights

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Testimonials

What People Say About Smiling Surgeons

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I contributed to Smiling Surgeons last year, and seeing how my support helped provide free dental care to children in need was incredibly rewarding.

Sarah Mitchell

Patient

"After years of living in pain, I finally received the surgery I needed. I can smile and eat again — and that changed everything for me."

Dr. Kevin Osei

Volunteer Surgeon

"Collaborating with Smiling Surgeons has been inspiring. Their commitment to training local professionals ensures sustainable impact long after the mission ends."

Maria K

Patient

Our Partners

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
University of Maryland Capital Region Health
Q.E.C.H
Kamuzu University Health Sciences
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OUR REACH

Every Number Tells a Story of Hope

Smiling Surgeons brings transformative surgical and dental care to underserved regions. Through collaboration, innovation, and compassion, we create measurable change — restoring health, hope, and confidence one mission at a time.

55+

patients treated

$500K+

in donated equipment

60+

professionals trained

3

years of mission work

I joined to honor mentors who taught me that skill means little if it isn’t shared. Malawi’s need for complex maxillofacial care—and the chance to work shoulder-to-shoulder with local surgeons—made it an easy yes.

I expected scarce resources; I didn’t expect such deep ingenuity and teamwork. The reality was tougher logistically—and far more rewarding—than any briefing could capture.

A patient saw their face after tumor resection and whispered, “Now I can meet my students again.” That quiet relief said more than any thank-you ever could.

Excision and reconstruction of facial tumors, trauma management, ankylosis release, and related pathology—paired with bedside teaching for residents and nurses.

Late-presenting pathology made cases longer and reconstructions more complex. We navigated limited imaging, finite instrument sets, and the need to prioritize OR time wisely.

Our Faq

Explore our FAQs for quick and helpful guidance

At Smiling Surgeons, we know that every question comes from a place of care and curiosity. These FAQs are here to guide you through our mission work — from volunteering opportunities to the impact your support creates for patients worldwide.

AAOMS Humanitarian Award Dr Tania Nkungula
bLOG & nEWS

Your contribution, big or small, will have a lasting impact.

Mentorship Networking
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Mentorship + Networking

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Scholarship
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Scholarship

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Donate
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Donate

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Help Make Smiles Happen

Your support enables us to plan missions, supply essential equipment, train local providers, and follow up for long-term outcomes.

Become a Volunteer
Use your skills to support surgical teams or field operations

Sponsor a Student
Provide life-changing surgery to someone in need

Donate Now
Every dollar counts toward healing and hope