INUVIK
Simon Jozzy, the founder of the Healthy Smiles Society, has headed back to Africa with his mobile dental clinic this month.

Simon Jozzy, regional dental program officer with the Beaufort Delta Health Authority, founded the Healthy Smiles Society has headed back to Africa with a mobile dental clinic this month. - NNSL file photo

"The organization was founded after my experience seeing young and old suffering from rampant gum and dental decay, infection, severe gum disease, and pain during my visit to Zimbabwe some few years back," said Jozzy, who is the regional dental program officer for the Beaufort Delta Health Authority in Inuvik.

"After coming back, I wanted to do something to help the situation I had just experienced, but I realized the task was too big to be tackled by one individual without big pockets," Jozzy said.

"Because of that I didn't know what to do.

"It took me a very long time to figure out the best approach because that experience was haunting me all along. I said to myself I have to do something about this."

After "sharing his experience" with some friends, Jozzy hatched the idea of establishing a non-profit agency operated from Inuvik.

The Healthy Smiles Society "provides and promotes mobile dental services in rural developing societies," he said.

During the missions, Jozzy and a team spend two or three weeks travelling the countryside and working with patients.

"Through local contacts and support from overseas, Healthy Smiles offers dental services to areas having the greatest dental needs. We are able to provide dental care and meet people's immediate needs to relieve pain, dental infection, severe gum disease, extractions, fillings, and improve quality of life."

Jozzy is currently in Africa with his team. Hailey Verbonac, a recent graduate of East Three Secondary School, is one of his team members.

"It will be quite an eye opener for her," he said.

Jozzy, who is originally form Zimbabwe, said his goals are simple.

"I want to help people who do not have the means to help themselves," he said.

He said he's also grateful for the help he had in "coming overseas" to Canada.

"This is my way of saying thank you for helping me. Because of that I want to return the favour by helping someone else."

The society operates with donations from its members and friends, Jozzy said.

"We strive with very limited funds and resources to make a difference in people's lives."