Rebuilding Smiles, Restoring Lives: Brisbane Smiles’ Commitment to the Rebuilding Smiles Program
At Brisbane Smiles, we believe Dentistry is about more than teeth. It’s about dignity, confidence, and the ability to move forward in life with renewed self-belief. That is why we are incredibly proud to participate in the ADA’s Rebuilding Smiles Program, a national initiative dedicated to supporting people affected by domestic and family violence.
About The Rebuilding Smiles Program
Founded in 2016 by the Australian Dental Association (ADA), the Rebuilding Smiles Program provides much-needed Dental care to individuals who have experienced domestic or family violence. While some patients present with dental trauma, more commonly they are living with long-term oral health issues caused by extended periods without access to dental treatment. The program is made possible through volunteer dental professionals.
In 2023–24 alone, 236 patients received pro bono treatment, delivered by volunteer practitioners who generously gave their time, skills, and compassion.
Why This Program Matters
For many patients, restoring oral health is about far more than function or aesthetics. A healthy smile can be a turning point; rebuilding confidence, enabling employment opportunities, and helping people re-engage socially after experiencing trauma.
Our Dentists see first-hand the powerful ripple effect that access to quality dental care can create.
Voices From Our Team
Dr Paul McKay | Principal Dentist
“It’s a pleasure to care for my private patients each day, and being able to give back to the Rebuilding Smiles Patient Network with my time and expertise through the Program is super rewarding. We have been able to help those who need it most with general dental care that they are otherwise unable to access. Rebuilding a smile can mean giving someone a second chance with their teeth and that’s an impact I’m incredibly proud to help. I hope to continue giving back for many years to come.”
Dr Graham McKay | General Dentist
“I often see clients who are working hard to re-establish their dental health, and it’s incredibly rewarding to support them in achieving that goal, especially when they’ve come from challenging life circumstances or lacked early guidance around oral care. It is a powerful opportunity to help them realise the advantage they still hold in maintaining good oral health moving forward. What inspires me most is their enthusiasm and motivation to improve their smile, because that transformation can truly influence every part of their life.”
Dr Karuna Khatri | General Dentist
“Giving back through the Rebuilding Smiles Program is incredibly important to me. It’s a meaningful way to support members of our community who may not otherwise have access to the dental care they need. Restoring a smile can truly be life-changing; it can give someone the confidence to speak, to smile, and to regain essential function. That renewed confidence often flows into other areas of their life, whether it’s applying for a job, building relationships, or simply engaging more fully with the world around them.”
Dr Andrei Mihailescu | General Dentist
“Many people in our community have gone without dental care due to past negative experiences, dental anxiety, or limited access to quality treatment. As someone who genuinely loves the Dental profession, I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back in a way that truly makes a difference. Partnering with the Rebuilding Smiles Program allows me to reach those who might never otherwise walk through our doors, and help them take a positive step forward in changing their lives.”
Spotlight Interview: Dr Paul McKay
Dr Paul McKay is the Principal Dentist and CEO of Brisbane Smiles, and a dedicated volunteer with the Rebuilding Smiles Program for 5 years. We spoke with Dr McKay about his passion for giving back through volunteer Dentistry, and how that commitment has inspired his team to make a meaningful difference.
What areas of Dentistry are you most passionate about, and what continues to drive your commitment to the profession?
“While I thoroughly enjoy all aspects of day-to-day Dentistry, I’m especially passionate about rehabilitative and reconstructive care, particularly for patients facing complex challenges who may have felt like there was no solution for them. Helping someone rebuild their smile can quite literally change their life. It’s about restoring confidence, improving function, and empowering people to engage more fully with their family, their work and socially. I’m also deeply committed to ongoing professional development, especially in Implant Dentistry. Advancements in full-arch and all-teeth-replacement technology are incredibly exciting, and they’re opening up more possibilities than ever before for patients with extensive dental needs.”
Tell us about your experience volunteering for the Rebuilding Smiles Program?
“Being able to give back to the Rebuilding Smiles Program with my time and expertise is super rewarding. We have been able to help those who need it most with General and Restorative Dental care that they are otherwise unable to access. Rebuilding a smile can mean giving someone a second chance with their teeth and that’s an impact I’m incredibly proud to assist with. I hope to continue giving back for many years to come.”
In what ways has your team found professional fulfilment through their involvement in the Rebuilding Smiles Program?
“Our entire team at Brisbane Smiles has embraced the Rebuilding Smiles Program with genuine enthusiasm. I’m proud to say that all of our longstanding Dentists are actively involved and truly passionate about giving back. Many of our team members have shared how rewarding it is to care for patients who’ve come from difficult life circumstances or who may have missed out on Dental care earlier in life. Being part of their journey, helping to restore their health, confidence, and quality of life, is deeply fulfilling. It’s a program we are proud to support, and one that reflects our values as a practice.”
A Shared Commitment to Community
At Brisbane Smiles, participating in the Rebuilding Smiles Program reflects who we are – a team committed to ethical care, community impact, and delivering Dentistry that truly changes lives. We are honoured to work alongside the ADA, program partners, and fellow Dental Professionals to help rebuild smiles and support brighter futures within our local community.
