Last Thursday, the Iwahig covered court in Marikina was filled with a sense of purpose as purple packs of groceries and rice bags were neatly arranged, ready for distribution. Volunteers moved efficiently, helping recipients of a dental mission in an orderly manner. It was an atmosphere of genuine service. Among those making a difference was Dr. Samantha Bernardo, CEO and head dentist of Awesam Smile Dental Clinic.
A Personal Touch to Dental Outreach
“Today is our dental mission slash outreach program. So, every year talaga, tuwing birthday ko, birthday month, lagi talagang meron kaming ganito,” Dr. Bernardo shared. The first dentist in her family, she explained that her dedication to community service began right after she graduated and became a licensed dentist. “Sabi ko nga kanina, simula nang grumaduate ako, maging licensed dentist ako, nag-start na ako. But before, since 2017, ang ginagawa ko lang is more on feeding program. So, nag-start din talaga pinakamalaki is yung last year. So, tinuloy-tuloy ko na.” Her program now includes fluoride treatments, cleaning, and extractions for children, along with grocery packs for families, showing her deep commitment to helping others.
Why Oral Health Matters
When asked about the significance of oral health, Dr. Bernardo voiced her concern about community awareness. “Importance of oral health? For me, dapat i-prioritize na siya eh. Dito sa Philippines, honestly speaking, hindi talaga siya ganun nabibigyan ng pansin. Kaya isa rin talaga sa goals namin today is makapag-dental education,” she said. Dr. Bernardo emphasized the need for early intervention, especially since “as early as 6 years old, nandyan na yung mga permanent teeth natin, ‘pag nabunot na kasi ‘yan, wala na siyang kapalit.”
She reflected on the previous year’s outreach in Tondo and shared her philosophy. “Ako kasi, kahit saang community basta narinig kong nangangailangan ‘yung mga tao d’yan, wala naman ako talagang pinipili as long as kaya naman namin,” the passionate dentist explained.
Focus on Prevention and Education
Dr. Bernardo highlighted a shift in her approach this year. “Actually po, last year, ang nangyari sa amin, more on bunot naman sa mga mas adult. Ngayon naman, more on ang focus namin, prevention naman. So nag-ffluoride kami. Pero may mga iba rin kaming mga bata na nabunutan dahil ‘pag sumasakit na ‘yung ngipin, kaysa mamaya, kailangan na naming tanggalin.” She pointed out that “most common na nakikita talaga namin is sira na ‘yung ngipin,” and among the issues observed, “meron ding isa. Mararaming may hindi alam nito, ‘yung gingivitis. Doon din nag-iistart. ‘Yung inflamed ang gums. Kasi nga kulang sa cleaning, hindi nakakavisit sa dentista. So since may bacteria, so nag-lilead din talaga ‘yan sa mga for pasta, nabubulok ang ngipin hanggang sa mauwi sa bunot.”
Expanding Reach Through Multiple Clinics
With nine branches now operational, Dr. Bernardo’s clinics started in Cainta, Rizal, with her clear vision. “Pinakanagstart talaga ako is sa Rizal area, sa Cainta. Kaya kami hindi nakakalimot tumulong. Gusto ko kasi si Awesam Smile Dental Clinic is mas maging affordable but quality dental services,” she smilingly said, sounding inspired. She stays hands-on, often visiting her clinics by request and investing in training and equipment upgrades, including adopting advanced digital technology from UCLA.
Cosmetic and Aesthetic Procedures
While her clinics offer general and preventive care, Dr. Bernardo also provides aesthetic options. “More on cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery, and orthodontics, yung mga braces,” she said about her services. Her brand ambassadors, Kim Rodriguez and Boss Toyo, support her mission. “Nakakatuwa kasi kanina, talagang sila din mismo ‘yung namimigay. Isang twang mo lang, talagang pupunta sila. Ang napansin ko rin, iisa lang din kami ng advocacy, ng purpose.” Their shared goal? “To be of service to others.”
Dr. Bernardo’s other celebry endorsers are Daniel Matsunaga, MYMP, G22, and Mika Salamanca.
Serving Celebrities and Promoting Inner Beauty
Dr. Bernardo noted that among her celebrity clients, veneers, crowns, and whitening are favorites. She detailed, “Uso talaga ang mga veneers, crowns, and whitening procedures. Pero alam mo, isa sa gusto ko talagang ipatupad, at isa sa mga campaign namin this year, is yung beauty inside and out. Hindi lang sa panlabas, but healthy talaga ‘yung inside.” She stressed the importance of overall health and oral hygiene, stating, “Yun kasi ang nakakaligtaan. Kasi the more na mas pinapatagal, mas lalong magmamahal at nagiging irreversible.”
The Power of Prevention and the link between teeth and wellbeing
The underrated dental activity, according to Dr. Bernardo, is prevention. “For me, talagang prevention. Kahit na ‘yung sampling cleaning simulan na natin,” she explained. “Kasi once naman, cinleaning naman ang pasyente, machecheck na namin everything. Kasi the more na mas pinapatagal, mas lalong magmamahal at nagiging irreversible.” She emphasized that “Ang kailangan talaga natin para maagapan ang mga problema is dental education. Minsan nakikita natin sa social media, makikita natin ang memes, may pampilikmata, may iPhone, pero wala siyang pang-cleaning. Feeling ko kulang lang sa dental education. Hindi nila alam ang importance ng ngipin. Akala nila pangkagat lang ‘yan pero ang daming functions niyan na related sa speech natin, sa overall confidence and self-esteem. Kaya kapag walang ngipin, nakakaaffect sa overall wellbeing.”
As she celebrates her birthday, Dr. Sam expressed her heartfelt wishes. “Gusto ko po sana na manatiling grounded at magpatuloy sa pagtulong sa iba,” she said. “Ang first clinic ko kasi ay sa baba ng bahay. Sana marami pang branches para mas marami kaming mapagserbisyuhan at mag-guide na mga tao.” Her story exemplifies true dedication – an inspiring example of how one person’s passion can ripple through a community, improving lives one awesome smile at a time.
Clinic Details and Contact
For those interested in her clinics, Dr. Sam’s Awesam Smile Dental Clinic currently operates in several locations across the metro. Here are their details:
- Hampton Gardens, Pasig: 2F Hampton Gardens, C Raymundo Avenue, Maybunga, Pasig City. Call 0917 140 7289 or 7218 8253.
- Garden Walk, Cainta: 2F The Garden Walk, 105 Felix Ave., Brgy. Sto. Domingo. Call 0917 177 5610 or 7959 3290.
- Taytay: GF Peace Be With You Bldg., Petron Velasquez St. Call 0917 115 8548 or 7505 0697.
- Marikina: 2F Shell Vermont West Bound, Marikina Infanta Highway. Call 0917 520 8893 or 7500 8893.
- Binangonan: GF RRW Central Building, Tagpos. Call 0917 536 0728 or 7219 8887.
- Quezon City: GF Kalayaan Centrepointe Bldg., Kalayaan Ave. Corner V. Luna. Call 0917 317 0728 or 7980 8886.
- San Mateo: 2F Cedar Bldg., 451 Gen Luna, Malanday. Call 0945 428 1558.
- San Juan: 2F Petron, Ortigas Ave. Corner Connecticut St., Greenhills. Call 0945 428 1107.
To learn more about their full range of services and how they can help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile, visit awesamsmile.com.
