Professor Olubukola Olatosi, a Pediatric Dentist and clinician-scientist, is undertaking postdoctoral research at the University of Manitoba in Canada. Her work focuses on preventing early childhood oral disease and improving access to care for underserved populations. Olatosi is also the Founder and Executive Director of Smiles of Hope for Children Foundation (SHCF), which aims to translate her research into community action across Nigeria. The foundation's philosophy is simple: every child deserves a healthy smile, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The inspiration for Smiles of Hope for Children Foundation came from Olatosi's professional journey and personal experiences. After completing her PhD at the University of Manitoba in December 2025, she began thinking about giving back in a more intentional and sustainable way, particularly to children who might otherwise remain unreached. On December 14, 2025, Olatosi had a clear vision to establish the foundation, which would bring oral health education, screening, and preventive care directly to communities where children live.
The foundation's approach is meaningful to Olatosi because it allows her team to listen, understand the realities families face, and serve in partnership with the community. Smiles of Hope for Children Foundation has conducted outreaches in various communities, including Ago-Egun Community in Lagos, Sangotedo, Lagos Island, and Abeokuta. In its first four outreaches, the foundation reached 721 children with oral health education and resources, screened 502 children, and provided 92 preventive and basic treatments.
Olatosi sources funds for the foundation through individual donations, in-kind contributions, and partnerships with organizations. For its first outreach, the foundation received donations of toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, and fluoride supplies from Dr. Robert Schroth and the Healthy Smile Happy Child team in Canada. The foundation is still young and building sustainable funding is a priority, with Olatosi actively seeking partnerships with corporate organizations, healthcare institutions, and philanthropic organizations.
Olatosi's life experiences have shaped who she is today, particularly her journey through dentistry and research. Her training in Nigeria helped her understand the possibilities and inequalities within healthcare, while her specialization in pediatric dentistry allowed her to see firsthand the impact of preventable dental caries on children's lives. Her research in Canada focused on improving oral health for young First Nations and Métis children, reinforcing the importance of listening to communities and working with them to design effective programs.
Olatosi's passion for her cause stems from her work as a pediatric dentist and researcher, where she has seen children experience severe pain and infection from preventable oral diseases. She believes that a child's circumstances should not determine whether they live with dental pain and that prevention begins with knowledge, a toothbrush, and fluoride toothpaste. Olatosi is committed to reaching children early, before preventable disease becomes painful, and is dedicated to making a positive impact through her work with Smiles of Hope for Children Foundation.
As a professor, Olatosi balances her teaching work with her responsibilities at Smiles of Hope for Children Foundation. Her experiences have taught her that impact is not just about numbers, but about the individual children and families her foundation reaches. With a focus on community-centered care and sustainable funding, Olatosi is working to expand the foundation's reach and make a lasting difference in the lives of children in Nigeria.
Key points
- Pediatric dentist Olubukola Olatosi founded Smiles of Hope for Children Foundation to provide oral health education and care to underserved communities in Nigeria.
- The foundation has reached over 700 children with oral health education and resources, and provided 92 preventive and basic treatments.
- Olatosi is committed to building sustainable funding for the foundation and seeking partnerships with organizations to support its mission.
