The story behind the mission
From 30 countries of volunteering to a clinic in Miami
After working overseas and volunteering in over 30 countries, Dr. Dustin Pfundheller, D.M.D., came back to America to help fix the oral health crisis. Studies estimate that 26% of Americans suffer from untreated dental decay — in one of the richest countries in the world, too many people have mortgaged their house or ruined their credit score over needed dental work.
Dr. Pfundheller showed that a few small changes in the dental clinic could deliver better-quality care at a much lower price. People in the dental field refused to believe the idea; construction companies refused to build it; every bank denied the loan. After two years and thousands of dollars lost, a small bank — Live Oak Bank — approved the loan, and The Smile Mission was built. Raised by two public school teachers in Altoona, Wisconsin, Dr. Pfundheller majored in mathematics before attending the University of Florida College of Dentistry.
The mission in numbers
30+ countries volunteered in
Dr. Pfundheller's overseas volunteer work is where the mission started.
Over 10,000 patients served
With patients traveling in from all 50 states.
Locations across four states
Florida, Georgia, Virginia and Alabama — including South Miami.
100+ insurances accepted
Plus free consultations and financing options.