SHERIDAN, WYOMING – August 26, 2025 – Dentsply Sirona has reinforced its commitment to widening access to oral healthcare through its fourth annual Miles for Smiles charity walk, raising £18,000 to support underserved communities across the UK and Ireland. The initiative, part of the company’s broader BEYOND: Taking Action for a Brighter World sustainability program, reflects the dental technology leader’s continued alignment of corporate responsibility with community health needs.
Walking for Change in Oral Health
The 2025 edition of Miles for Smiles brought together 143 participants, including dental professionals, employees, families, and community supporters, across six locations: Glasgow, Ben Nevis, Mount Snowdon, Yorkshire, Weybridge, and Ireland’s Howth Cliff Walk. Each group covered approximately 13 miles (20.9 km), raising funds in support of Dentaid The Dental Charity, a UK-based non-profit that delivers dental services to vulnerable populations.
All proceeds will be allocated to two critical projects:
- Providing oral healthcare for female survivors of domestic abuse and their children.
- Extending treatment to individuals experiencing homelessness in deprived areas.
Strengthening Dental Care Access Through Community Engagement
The event underlines how corporate stakeholders can influence healthcare access beyond clinical settings. By mobilizing employees and industry peers, Dentsply Sirona is not only contributing financial resources but also strengthening professional awareness of unmet dental needs across local communities.
“It’s truly inspiring to see the dental community come together year after year to support this charitable cause,” said Francois Loiseau, VP & GM Western Europe at Dentsply Sirona. “The passion and generosity shown by everyone involved in Miles for Smiles reflects our shared commitment to increasing access to dental services and promoting better oral health.”
Industry Context: Oral Health Inequalities Remain a Priority
Limited access to dental care remains a pressing challenge across Europe. A 2024 NHS England report highlighted that nearly 40% of adults in low-income communities delay or forego treatment due to cost and accessibility barriers. Initiatives like Miles for Smiles directly address these disparities, complementing national health services by enabling NGOs such as Dentaid to operate mobile clinics, deploy volunteer professionals, and deliver treatment where infrastructure is lacking.
With oral health increasingly tied to broader wellness outcomes — including cardiovascular disease and diabetes — initiatives that improve access to preventive and restorative care carry wider public health implications.
Dentaid Partnership: Scaling Impact Through Collaboration
Since its inception, Miles for Smiles has raised more than £70,000, fueling Dentaid’s outreach programs. For the charity, consistent corporate partnerships are essential to scale impact.
“Dentsply Sirona’s continued support through the Miles for Smiles walk means the world to us,” said Andy Evans, CEO of Dentaid The Dental Charity. “Thanks to their efforts and the generosity of all who took part, we can continue to reach people who would otherwise go without the dental care they need. We’re incredibly grateful for this partnership and the difference it makes. As we expand our outreach, we’re also calling on qualified dental professionals to consider donating just one day of their time to treat patients aboard our mobile dental units. Every volunteer helps us bring vital care to those who need it most.”
Strategic Outlook: CSR as a Lever in Dental Industry Growth
For manufacturers like Dentsply Sirona, integrating community-based programs into business strategy delivers dual benefits: improved public perception of the brand and tangible contributions to global oral health goals. As sustainability and access become decisive factors in procurement and policymaking, companies demonstrating measurable community impact are positioned to strengthen relationships with healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients alike.
To learn more about supporting Dentaid or volunteering as a dental professional, visit Dentaid.