Restoring smiles on Easter Island
Why the Easter Island was chosen
Easter Island, known locally as Rapa Nui, is home to a vibrant Polynesian community with a rich cultural heritage. Despite its cultural strength, the island faces one of the most critical oral health challenges in the Pacific. With only three resident dentists serving a population of 7,800, most medium‑ and high‑complexity dental needs go untreated. Studies from the Smithsonian Institute and Wyoming University identify Rapa Nui as having the worst dental health in the region, including exceptionally high rates of edentulism among older adults.
The combination of geographic isolation, limited clinical capacity, and widespread untreated disease has created an urgent need for targeted oral health support. Strengthening access to evidence‑based care is essential to improving long‑term health and quality of life for the Rapa Nui community.
Our impact
Missions
Patients treated
Free implants placed
Success rate
Supporting the community
Dr. Rubén Rosenberg and his team primarily treat fully edentulous patients, many of whom have lost teeth due to limited access to dental care, trauma, congenital conditions, or domestic abuse. They also rehabilitate younger patients who require single‑unit implants following injury.
A core focus of the mission is sustainability. During each visit, the team provides clinical training and educational support to the dental professionals at the local community hospital, ensuring patients continue receiving care after rehabilitation. The local team monitors progress, identifies new complex cases, and prepares candidates for future missions.
Support our next mission in September. By contributing, you directly support the supplies, instruments, and clinical resources required to treat patients who would otherwise go without care.
Real stories. Real impact.
Voices from Rapa Nui
Sponsors
