United for Smiles: Laf Salone and DESS in Sierra Leone

Laf Salone and DESS Dental: United for Health and Smiles in Sierra Leone

This January, Laf Salone, a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving oral health and general wellbeing in Sierra Leone, starts a new expedition full of commitment and solidarity. Founded by five dentists with a passion for the country and its people, Laf Salone seeks to transform lives through dental care and educational programmes in vulnerable communities.

The expedition relies not only on the efforts of its team, but also on the support of keypartners such as DESS and Proclinic, who are contributing to this mission with a significant donation of essential materials. DESS' contribution includes dental hygiene products such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, as well as bars of soap, which are essential to promote hand hygiene in the communities; and school supplies and balls for recreational activities. Proclinic will provide all the necessary clinical equipment for the expedition. These donations underline our company's commitment to the well-being of communities in need and its support for charitable initiatives with a global impact.

Laf Salone's Origin: A Story of Solidarity

Laf Salone was founded following a volunteer expedition to Saint John of God Hospital in May 2023. The experience inspired its founders, Marc Algueró, Maria Luisa Augè, Núria Farré, Alba Hernández and Silvia Clos, to continue helping the country in a sustainable way. Since then, they have organised two expeditions a year, combining health care with educational programmes to positively impact the lives of the communities they visit.

Why ‘Laf Salone’

The organisation's name, ‘Laf Salone’ (‘Smile Sierra Leone’), captures its mission to improve the quality of life through solidarity, commitment and accountability. Beyond their work in oral health, they also seek to empower communities through education and sustainable resources.

A Special Collaboration: Mireia Corral, a DESS Volunteer

A highlight of this expedition is the active participation of DESS employee Mireia Corral, who will join the Laf Salone team as a volunteer. Mireia will play a supporting role in the field activities, directly collaborating in health care, oral health education and awareness raising projects in the communities of Sierra Leone. Her involvement is an inspiring example of how companies can foster a culture of solidarity through their teams.

The importance of volunteers in expeditions

Laf Salone is made up of passionate volunteers, dental professionals who, in addition to their daily responsibilities, generously give their time and energy to the organisation and its important mission to improve oral health in Sierra Leone. Volunteers are at the heart of the organisation's missions. They each contribute their skills and time to make a direct impact on the most vulnerable communities. On this expedition, Mireia Corral's participation will not only enrich the activities on site, but also strengthen the ties between DESS and the organisation, demonstrating how collaboration within the sector can make a tangible difference.

Expedition Objectives

The Laf Salone team is heading to Sierra Leone with clear and ambitious goals:

Improve oral health

To provide dental treatment to as many people as possible, addressing current problems and improving their quality of life. This work ranges from tooth extractions to cleanings, helping to tackle the most common oral health problems in communities without regular access to dental services.

Training and education

Train nursing staff at Saint John of God Hospital in Mabesseneh and local officials to provide basic treatment continuity throughout the year. This training ensures the sustainability of the project, even when the Laf Salone team is not present.

Hygiene promotion

Distribute the materials donated by DESS, promoting healthy habits among the local population. Toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap will be key tools to educate communities on the importance of personal and oral hygiene.

A Journey with Purpose

This new expedition not only reaffirms Laf Salone's commitment to the people of Sierra Leone, but also shows how non-profit organisations and companies working together can make a significant impact. Mireia Corral's participation and the donation of materials are examples of how collaboration and solidarity transcend borders to build a better future.

The expected impact of this expedition

With every smile restored and every life transformed, Laf Salone and DESS demonstrate that joining forces can change the world, one community at a time. From dental treatment to the distribution of educational and recreational resources, this mission is designed to leave a lasting impact in Sierra Leone.

The importance of continuity

Thanks to the commitment of Laf Salone and the support of companies like DESS, this expedition is just one step on a long-term journey towards improving living conditions in Sierra Leone. Training local leaders and creating sustainable programmes are key to ensuring lasting impact.

Inspiring Real Change

This expedition marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between Laf Salone and DESS, showing how joining forces within the dental sector can bring lasting change to vulnerable communities. With the enthusiasm of volunteers like Mireia Corral and the solidarity embodied in essential donations, this mission not only becomes an opportunity for transformation in Sierra Leone, but is also an example of social responsibility that inspires others to act. In the end, it is the shared commitment that drives the improvement of lives and ensures that each effort leaves a footprint that lasts beyond the physical presence of the teams on the ground.