Our story
Why we exist
Healing a smile empowers women to move forward in their lives. It restores dignity and the ability to connect with others in the most fundamental, human way. Healing a smile is our way of addressing the impact of family violence on women and the family they support – to help them return to our community.
Why we help
One in every six women in Australia experiences physical or sexual violence. In 2022, 64% of reported assaults to WA Police were family violence-related. Family violence has a significant impact on the health, inclusion, confidence, dignity and financial independence of women. Many women are unable to afford the high costs of the dental treatment needed after suffering abuse, and over time, this erodes self-esteem, which impacts social relationships and economic participation.
Without the funds to access treatment for dental trauma, women experience ongoing oral health issues which has longer-term impacts on physical and mental health.
Restoring a smile restores a survivor’s dignity, confidence and ability to move forward in their lives. This is why we created Healing Smiles. Women cared for in our programme gain access to patient-centred care that is sensitive to their psychological, cultural and socio- economic needs.
By working with a number of women’s refuge agencies, case workers and our dedicated volunteers, we assist women with each step of their dental treatment and recovery.
Our story
About us
Established in 2018, Healing Smiles is the joint vision of a group of committed female general dental practitioners and specialists.
Building a supportive community takes a village, and we are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with founding members of Women in Dentistry Society and be supported by the Australian Dental Association (WA) branch.
Today, we’re proud to work alongside an incredible range of organisations who help Healing Smiles continue in its pioneering work.
