Saving Smiles: A Mission to Brighten Lives Beyond Cancer
In 2017, three passionate young dental professionals—Dr. Ronald Lowe, Dr. Joseph Meluni, and Dr. Lawrence Nguyen—came together with a simple yet powerful mission: to help pediatric cancer survivors get the dental care they desperately need. What began as a heartfelt initiative has since grown into Saving Smiles Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a life-changing impact on children across the nation.
Dr. Ronald Lowe, a Fredericksburg orthodontist and co-founder of the organization, recalls the driving force behind their efforts. “When a child is diagnosed with cancer, dental health becomes less of a priority,” he explains. “The family’s focus is survival, which is completely understandable. Our goal is to help educate and financially assist these families so they can get the dental care they absolutely need.”
Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, can wreak havoc on a child’s oral health. From increased cavities to weakened tooth enamel, the long-term effects are often overlooked. Saving Smiles steps in to bridge this gap, working with families who may be struggling to afford dental care after a grueling battle with cancer. “We’ve helped dozens of kids since 2017,” Dr. Lowe shares, “whether it’s paying for their dental care, lifting their spirits during the holidays, or providing electric toothbrushes and education. This charity is truly for the kids.”
What makes Saving Smiles unique is its personal connection to the cause. Dr. Lowe’s journey into pediatric dental care began during his first year of dental school, following the heartbreaking loss of a close friend to brain cancer. “Several years prior, my friend and teammate Michael Adenaike passed away from a rare form of brain cancer,” he recalls. “After seeing the emotional, physical, and financial toll cancer takes, I wanted to help in any way possible.”
This drive led him to partner with Dr. Meluni and Dr. Nguyen to launch Saving Smiles. Together, they have created a support system that not only helps children recover their smiles but also brings hope to their families during an incredibly difficult time. “We’ve met amazing families from New York, Michigan, Virginia, and even California,” Dr. Lowe says. “Hearing their stories and learning how we helped their kids has been a truly rewarding experience.”
In addition to working directly with families, Saving Smiles collaborates with other notable organizations such as the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, Jessa’s Quest, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation to expand their reach. “We’re so grateful for the partnerships we’ve built along the way,” Dr. Lowe says. “These organizations have been instrumental in identifying families who need our support.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Lowe is excited about future initiatives, including a charity golf match slated for 2025 to raise additional funds for the organization. “The support since I moved to Virginia has been amazing,” he shares. “If you feel moved by our cause, I urge you to reach out—we’re always looking for people to help.”
Despite the serious nature of their work, the Saving Smiles team approaches their mission with positivity and hope. Reflecting on their journey, Dr. Lowe finds inspiration in their beginnings. “We were really just kids ourselves when we started this foundation,” he laughs. “Two 22-year-olds and a 23-year-old saw something wrong and wanted to help. Now, seven years later, we’re all about 30 and still just as passionate about helping kids.”
Saving Smiles may have started as a small, grassroots effort, but its impact continues to grow, one smile at a time.
