Thousand Smiles was honored to welcome Rotary District Governor Jeb Bakke and District Governor-Elect Michael Brunker to their August Thousand Smiles Clinic held in Ensenada, Baja California.
The Fall Thousand Smiles clinic was yet another powerful reminder of what can happen when skilled professionals, dedicated volunteers, and generous supporters come together with one purpose: to give children and families the care, hope, and opportunity they deserve.
During this clinic, the incredible Thousand Smiles team provided care for 140 dental patients, performed six surgeries, and assisted three patients receiving ear tubes. As always, the care extended far beyond surgery. Thousand Smiles provides comprehensive cleft lip and palate treatment along with orthodontic care, hearing services, speech therapy, dental care, health education, and other essential services.
But behind every number is a child. Behind every procedure is a family. And behind every success story is an extraordinary team of people who make this care possible.
A Team United by Service
The entire clinical staff at Thousand Smiles—including doctors, dentists, orthodontists, speech therapists, audiologists, health educators, nurses, and regular volunteers—serves on a volunteer basis. These are licensed and credentialed professionals from both Mexico and the United States, with affiliations including Loma Linda University, UC San Diego, and UCLA.
Their commitment goes far beyond a single clinic or procedure. They provide continuity of care, often beginning when a child is just an infant and continuing throughout the child's development until treatment is complete.
Most children needing cleft care are evaluated and undergo their first surgery between approximately six months and one year of age. They may then return for three or four additional procedures, along with years of follow-up care.
That journey can include hearing evaluations and treatment, including ear surgery or hearing aids; speech therapy to help children succeed in school and develop confidence in social settings; and ongoing dental and orthodontic care that supports proper nutrition, oral health, and appearance.
Thousand Smiles Foundation walks alongside these children and their families throughout that journey, addressing the complex and interconnected needs that arise as each child grows.
A Journey That Has Already Begun
Among the children who came to the clinic this fall was a particularly special patient—a baby just two months old, born with a cleft, as shown in the photo collage below.
He is still too young for his first surgery, but his journey with Thousand Smiles has already begun.
The team will monitor his progress, support his family, and help prepare them for the care ahead. They hope his first surgery can take place as early as November. That surgery will be just the beginning of what may be several years of coordinated treatment, follow-up care, and support.
For this little boy and his family, Thousand Smiles is not simply providing medical care. They are providing a path forward.
The Power of a Thousand Smiles
There may be no greater example of the long-term impact of this work than Paolas Valencia, who once received care at Thousand Smiles and now serves as a nurse at the clinic.
Paolas brings something uniquely powerful to her work: firsthand experience and deep compassion for the children and families she serves. If you have volunteered at Thousand Smiles, you may have had the opportunity to meet her.
Her story is a beautiful reminder that the impact of service can reach far beyond a single patient or a single clinic. A child who once needed help can grow up to become part of the team that helps the next generation.
To learn more about Paolas' story: Thousand Smiles Foundation — November 2023 Video
Rotary's Continuing Partnership
Rotary has been part of the Thousand Smiles story for decades, and we are deeply grateful for this enduring partnership.
During the clinic, Kim Muslusky gave visitors a grand tour and an opportunity to see firsthand the remarkable work taking place throughout the clinic. She also extended a warm welcome to District Governor Jeb Bakka, District Governor-Elect Michael Brunker and offered a special thanks to Past District Governor Luis Carrenza for visiting and supporting the Thousand Smiles mission during his year as Governor.
Special appreciation also goes to Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary, which generously provided lunches for volunteers, patients, and families throughout the clinic.
We are equally grateful to our partners at Club Rotario Ensenada Centenaria for their ongoing support and steadfast commitment to the clinics and the families they serve.
These partnerships demonstrate what Rotary does best: bringing people together, crossing borders, sharing expertise, and turning compassion into action.
Be Part of the Next Thousand Smiles Clinic
The next Thousand Smiles clinic is scheduled for November 6–7, 2026.
