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Hiking Miles For Smiles!
Climb For A Cause and the SmileTree are excited and grateful to have Dr. Jamie Moss as our latest addition to the 2026 Climb For A Cause Team!
On September 12th, Dr. Moss and her daughter Allison will attempt an out and back hike of the Egypt Lake Trail outside Banff, Alberta in support of oral health education and treatment of those in need.
To learn more about Climb For A Cause please visit www.ClimbForACause.org
In 2026, SmileTree/Climb for a Cause sponsored two week-long dental clinics for children, one in June in India and a July clinic in Cambodia.
Cambodia
The Cambodia clinic was attended by students from four village schools. The local economy in the area is based on agriculture and on remittances sent home by family members working abroad in countries where work is more plentiful. Dental care is both physically and financially out of reach for many local school children and, for most, this was the first dental care of their young lives.
The volunteer dental team included 5 dentists, 2 hygienists and 8 general volunteers, led by two Trip Leaders. In total, the team treated 889 children, restoring healthy teeth and smiles. Each child received an exam and all necessary treatment – extractions, fillings, sealants and cleanings.
Children were taught about oral health at three points during their clinic visit. The team worked to educate each child, with the hope of instilling oral health awareness within their school, their families and, eventually, the community at large.
During their visit, children also received a new toothbrush and a preventive fluoride treatment. Children will return to the clinic every 2 years to continue care and oral health education during their school years.
As you know, many children globally live without access to dental care. Small cavities grow, leading to severe decay, chronic pain and infection. Without care, children suffer, unable to eat or sleep properly, pay attention in school, or generally thrive.
SmileTree/Climb for a Cause funds were specifically dedicated to providing dental supplies for the clinic, at $5000 per clinic. This sponsorship provided care to these children, making a direct, tangible difference in their young lives. Working together, we can break this cycle of pain and infection and restore each child to healthy, happy smiles.
Measurable Outcomes:
- Total patients: 889
- % Needing care: 83%
- Male: 392
- Female: 497
- Restorations: 651
- Extractions: 372 primary teeth, 32 adult teeth
- Cleanings: 285
- Fluoride: 568
VALUE OF CARE $298,465 (US Equivalent $)
India
In 2026, SmileTree/Climb for a Cause sponsored the June clinic in India. Following are the results of that event:
The clinic was based in northern India in the town of Leh, which sits at an altitude of 12,000 feet at the base of the Himalayas. This remote region features an arid landscape, contrasting rich green agricultural fields and breathtaking mountain scenery. Its population is hardy, living at altitude in a remote corner of the country cut off from the rest of the world during winter months.
With isolation, access to dental care is limited and beyond the reach of most local children. Our sponsored clinics aim to give local children the first dental care of their young lives.
In June 2026, 16 volunteer dentists, hygienists and general volunteers traveled to Ladakh, set up a clinic in the local Lion’s Club Hostel, and provided care to 448 children from local schools. Over the course of the clinic week, children were brought to the clinic class by class. Upon arrival, they received a 20 minute oral health instruction in their local language. Emphasis was on teaching them the importance of brushing their teeth two times a day and giving them a new toothbrush.
After instruction, children entered the clinic to receive a dental exam and any restorative work, cleanings, or extractions needed. Children returned for follow-up care during the clinic week, until all needed dental care was complete.Most importantly, children will continue to return to clinic every 1.5 to 3 years to continue their dental care throughout their school years.
Stats for the clinic are as follows:
- Patients: 448
- Restorations: 318
- Cleanings: 78
- Sealants: 204
- Fluoride: 209
TOTAL VALUE OF CARE $123,495 (US Equivalent $)
Volunteers were greeted each morning by children waving and saying “Julley”, the local version of hello. They were touched by shy smiles, excited chatter as children peered into the clinic, and by a child reaching for their hand for comfort in the dental chair. It was a special and meaningful time for all, restoring healthy smiles one child at a time.
This was all made possible by your enduring support. Thank you for helping us reach these children in Ladakh with critical care.
