Morris Mugo, RDH
The Safari N Smiles founder story begins with Morris Mugo, RDH, whose journey from rural Kenya to the United States inspired a mission to expand access to dental care across Africa.
Morris Mugo, RDH
Licensed In
Washington D.C., Maryland & Virginia.
Born in
Rural Kenya near Chuka
Mission
Expand access to dental care in Africa.
Today
Leading Safari N Smiles in the D.C. area
The Journey
Early Life in Kenya
Morris Munene Mugo is a Registered Dental Hygienist licensed in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia and the founder of Safari N Smiles, a humanitarian organization dedicated to expanding access to dental care in underserved communities across Africa.
Morris was born and raised in rural Kenya near Chuka, where his early life was shaped by hardship, resilience, and the sacrifices of his mother, who prioritized education after the passing of his father. Determined to honor those sacrifices, Morris excelled academically and developed a strong sense of leadership during his school years.
A New Beginning in America
After meeting his wife Lizzie during university in Kenya, the couple immigrated to the United States in 2013 after being selected in the Diversity Visa Lottery. Like many immigrants starting from scratch, Morris worked multiple jobs ; including caregiving and parking garage shifts while pursuing higher education.
Building a Career & Family
He later earned his dental hygiene degree in Erie, Pennsylvania in 2018, while Lizzie completed her Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2019. The couple eventually settled in the Washington, D.C. area where they built their careers and started their family.
Founding Safari N Smiles
Inspired by his upbringing and the healthcare disparities he witnessed growing up, Morris founded Safari N Smiles to bridge the gap between healthcare professionals and underserved communities in Africa. Through dental outreach missions, education initiatives, and partnerships with clinicians and volunteers, the organization works to deliver essential oral healthcare while creating meaningful cultural and humanitarian experiences.
Leading with Purpose
Today, Morris leads Safari N Smiles with a mission to combine service, education, and adventure bringing together healthcare professionals, volunteers, and travelers to make a lasting impact in communities across Africa.
He lives in the Washington, D.C. area with his wife Lizzie and their two sons, Ethan and Ryan.
Safari N Smiles was founded on the belief that healthcare, compassion, and human connection can transform communities and create lasting impact.
Core Mission
To connect healthcare professionals, volunteers, and travelers with underserved communities across Africa through meaningful service and life-changing outreach.
