In many parts of Kenya, oral health challenges are not small issues. They affect how children learn, how adults work, how families eat, and how people live with dignity every day.
Across underserved and rural communities in Kenya, oral health problems remain deeply challenging. For many families, these issues are not minor inconveniences. They affect eating, speaking, confidence, school attendance, and the ability to work. What should be preventable and treatable often becomes an ongoing burden that families are forced to live with.
of children aged 5 had dental caries
of the population had periodontal disease
of children were affected by dental fluorosis
Oral diseases affect marginalized communities the most
The challenge is not only the disease itself, but what happens when treatment is out of reach. The Ministry of Health notes that many people with dental problems seek treatment only when they are already in pain. The reasons are painfully familiar: lack of awareness, financial constraints, and long distances to health facilities. In rural areas, this means preventable conditions are too often left untreated until they become serious, painful, and costly.
Many families do not receive enough oral health information early enough to prevent serious issues.
Even when treatment is needed, cost can delay care until pain becomes severe.
In many rural areas, health facilities are simply too far away for timely dental care.
Children carry a particularly heavy burden when it comes to oral disease. The national plan shows high levels of decay among young people, along with significant fluorosis linked in part to excess fluoride in groundwater in some regions. But beyond the physical effects, the cost is deeply personal. Untreated oral disease contributes to pain, infection, reduced quality of life, loss of school hours, and lower productivity. For a child, this can affect more than health alone. It can affect confidence, comfort, learning, and the simple freedom to smile without pain. That is why this work matters so deeply.
We do what we do because marginalized communities deserve more than delayed care and limited options. They deserve prevention. They deserve education. They deserve compassionate treatment. And they deserve to be seen.
Safari N Smiles exists to bring dental care closer to communities that often have the least access to it, and to serve in a way that restores both health and dignity.
Safari N Smiles brings dental care closer to communities that often have the least access to it.
We provide screenings that help identify dental issues early and open the door to timely care.
Prevention is a core part of our work, helping families avoid more serious oral health problems later.
In many rural areas, health facilities are simply too far away for timely dental care.
We provide basic treatment that relieves pain and supports healthier daily living.
Our work helps families take the next step toward healthier lives with dignity and care.
We believe real impact goes beyond one day of service by creating awareness and encouraging early care.
Safari N Smiles is inviting more dental professionals to be part of that impact. If you have ever wanted your profession to make a difference beyond the clinic walls, this is your invitation. Come serve. Come learn. Come connect. Come be part of something bigger than yourself.
Help us bring compassionate oral healthcare to communities that need it most.
EXCELLENT
Based on 71 reviews
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Ian Murithi1 July 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very professional and organisedPosted on Google![]()
emmanuel riri30 June 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I was honored to volunteer at the Safari N Smiles Kenya Medical Mission Camp in Kiereni and Ikuu. It was an incredibly fulfilling experience to give back to the community and witness the positive impact the team had on so many lives. The Safari N Smiles team did an exceptional job organizing the mission from start to finish. Their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to serving the community were truly inspiring. Kudos to the entire team for a job well done! If you're looking for an unforgettable African safari experience with a company that is passionate about both conservation and giving back to local communities, I highly recommend Safari N Smiles. 10/10 experience!Posted on Google![]()
Arenda McDowell7 June 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Our recent trip to Kenya with Safari N Smiles was truly the experience of a lifetime. From the moment we arrived, every detail was thoughtfully planned, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty, culture, and wildlife that Kenya has to offer. The safari experiences exceeded every expectation. Seeing elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and countless other animals in their natural habitat was unforgettable. The guides were knowledgeable, professional, and passionate about conservation, making every game drive both exciting and educational. What made this trip even more special was the opportunity to connect with the Kenyan people. Their kindness, warmth, and hospitality left a lasting impression on us. We were welcomed with genuine smiles and open hearts everywhere we went. The cultural experiences provided a deeper appreciation for the country, its traditions, and its incredible communities. Kenya itself is breathtakingly beautiful. From the vast savannas and stunning sunsets to the diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, every day felt like a dream. Beyond the scenery, the relationships formed during the trip made it even more meaningful. A group of strangers came together and quickly became a little family, sharing unforgettable moments and creating memories that will last forever. Safari N Smiles did an outstanding job creating an experience that was both adventurous and impactful. Their dedication to providing authentic experiences while supporting local communities was evident throughout the journey. We returned home with amazing memories, new friendships, and a deep appreciation for Kenya and its people. If you’re considering a safari or volunteer experience in Kenya, I cannot recommend Safari N Smiles enough. This trip changed us in ways we never expected, and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity.Posted on Google![]()
Sonya Maria Douglas29 May 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My mother has wanted to take me to visit her friends and experience the magic of Kenya for many years. When I came across Safari N’ Smiles on a dental social media page, I was so intrigued. After speaking with Morris to answer any questions I had, I sent the itinerary to my mother, who said it was an incredible itinerary, and very reasonably priced. The idea that we could combine dental mission work with such a fantastic group itinerary was extremely attractive. It was my first mission trip as a clinician and it was so meaningful. Even my mother, who is not a healthcare worker, was able to volunteer! Providing extractions in the field to patients in-need was tremendous, and traveling with purpose has been extremely meaningful. Aside from our dental (and optometry) mission work, seeing much of what Kenya has to offer was the trip of a lifetime. Each day was carefully curated with excursions and well-organized transportation. To know that there was always someone to talk to and answer questions was such a huge bonus for me, not having travelled to Kenya before, and even though my mother had been several times, it was her first time in such a group, and it was so much fun. The friendships made over these two weeks will stay with me always! From mission days to Safari days, hot air ballooning, game drives, or exploring the beach, seeing Kilimanjaro at sunrise, it was a trip to remember, and I would recommend Safari N’ Smiles to anyone looking to travel with purpose!Posted on Google![]()
Chris Main27 May 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The trip was amazing! We were able to help so many people, way more than I thought possible in a short time. They were so appreciative and welcoming. The staff of the tour went above and beyond to make sure we had a great time. The safari portion was more than I could have hoped for. The Maasai village, elephants, hot air balloon and all. It was a once in a lifetime trip that I can’t wait to do again.Posted on Google![]()
tracy andiwa27 May 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Safari N Smiles gave me more than a trip. It gave me purpose and unforgettable memories. Serving during the mission and seeing lives changed truly changed my life too. Then experiencing the beauty of Kenya through the safari made the journey even more special. A perfect blend of impact, adventure, and memories that will stay with me forever. Highly recommendPosted on Google![]()
Denise Maultsby-Brown5 February 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
This is truly a 5 star organization. Very professional. A once in a lifetime experience for me from start to finish.Posted on Google![]()
Zahra Souri23 January 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I definitely enjoyed a well-organized, rewarding, and relaxing trip with them! Everyone was very professional yet warm, kind, and genuinely caring. Food and hotels/lodges were amazing! The crew went above and beyond to make sure we see the wonders of nature and to make us feel comfortable and safe. The CE that was provided was to the point and important to learn. Got a chance to see rural Kenya and to engage with and serve the local population which was a true blessing. I left a piece of my heart in Kenya and I really miss my Safari N Smiles peeps! Can't wait to travel with them again!Posted on Google![]()
Danny Cuadra22 January 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Smiles and Safari was a really fun, well-organized experience that offered a unique way to travel through Kenya while combining dentistry, continuing education, and adventure. The dental portion focused mainly on education and cleanings, which made the clinical work approachable and low-pressure. While the impact was modest, it was still rewarding to interact with patients, share oral health education, and collaborate with fellow dental professionals in a new setting. The CE component was short, straightforward, and easy to complete—perfect if you’re looking to earn credits without an overwhelming academic load while traveling. It felt intentionally designed to complement the trip rather than dominate it. A huge highlight of the experience was everything outside the clinic. We did a ton of sightseeing, explored incredible parts of Kenya, and had unforgettable safari experiences. Just as meaningful were the friendships formed along the way—traveling with a great group of like-minded people made the entire trip even more special. Overall, Smiles and Safari is an excellent option if you’re looking for a dental-themed travel experience with light clinical involvement, easy CE, and a strong focus on cultural immersion, adventure, and connection. I came home with amazing memories, new friends, and a deeper appreciation for travel and dentistry abroad.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more