An oral health advocate’s mission to make dental care accessible to all
For Dr. Sam Bernardo, the founder and CEO of Awesam Smile Dental Clinic, the mission to provide accessible dental care stems from personal experience. Growing up in a modest family, Doc Sam understands the challenges many Filipinos face when it comes to prioritizing oral health.
This understanding has shaped her advocacy to make quality dental care accessible to underserved communities across the country.
“At a young age, I saw how difficult it was for families like mine to afford proper dental care,” Doc Sam shared with Manila Standard Life during the recent contract signing event with Boss Toyo at Storya Bar + Kitchen in Quezon City. “I promised myself that when I became a dentist, I would do something to help people who are in the same situation.”
This commitment is the anchor of the partnership between Awesam Smile and the social media personality, who was recently named the clinic’s brand ambassador. Together, they aim to raise awareness about dental health and bring services to those who need them most.
“With Boss Toyo on board, we’re not just expanding our reach; we’re amplifying our message. Together, we will make dental health a priority for more Filipinos,” Doc Sam added.
The collaboration kicked off with a dental mission in Happyland, Tondo, Manila, where over 40 dental professionals, led by Doc Sam, offered free dental extractions and distributed grocery items to residents. Doc Sam’s vision is also evident in the “Balik Ngiti” campaign, which provides free dentures to selected beneficiaries, restoring both their smiles and confidence.
“Growing up in a financially constrained household taught me the importance of small acts of kindness,” Doc Sam explained. “These campaigns are my way of giving back and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to dental care.”
Boss Toyo, who shares Doc Sam’s passion for helping others, expressed his excitement about the partnership.
“I’m happy to be a part of Awesam Smile Dental Clinic. Doc Sam and I share the same goal of bringing smiles and joy to our fellow Filipinos. I’ve seen how dedicated Doc Sam’s entire team is. This partnership is more than just smiles; it’s about changing lives,” he said.
Awesam Smile Dental Clinic offers a range of services, including preventive care, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, and oral surgery. But for Doc Sam, it’s not just about providing these services—it’s about ensuring that even the most marginalized communities feel seen and cared for.
One beneficiary from the dental mission in Tondo shared their gratitude: “Sa hirap ng buhay ngayon, di mo na maiisipang gumastos pa sa mga dentista e. Kaysa ipambayad dun, edi ipambibili nalang namin ng bigas at ulam.”
For Doc Sam, these stories fuel her drive to expand the clinic’s reach. “Dental care should never be a luxury,” she said. “It’s a basic need, and I’ll keep working to make it available to everyone.”
