Our Story: The Heart Behind Smiles Without Barriers
Smiles Without Barriers is a non profit organization founded by three dedicated Registered Dental Hygienists who are deeply committed to advancing equitable access to oral healthcare. Our mission is focused on delivering compassionate, portable preventative dental hygiene services, education, resources, and counsel directly to underserved populations throughout California.
Our primary goal is to provide care to vulnerable communities, including children, the elderly, and individuals who are homebound or living in care facilities, as well as those facing barriers such as limited mobility, physical or mental disabilities, financial hardship, or lack of access or resources to traditional oral healthcare settings.
At Smiles Without Barriers, we are especially passionate about preventive dental care and education, empowering patients with the knowledge and tools to improve their oral and overall health. Through prevention, education, and personalized care, we strive to make a lasting impact on overall well-being.
We are committed to closing gaps in oral healthcare and ensuring that every patient feels seen, valued, and supported—regardless of their circumstances
WHO WE ARE
Meet our three co-founders who created Smiles Without Barriers, a nonprofit organization with a shared mission to improve access to oral healthcare. United by clinical experience, cultural awareness, and a commitment to health equity, our team is passionate about delivering compassionate, preventive care to underserved communities across California.
Lauren S. Arredondo
Lauren is a co-founder of Smiles Without Barriers and a Registered Dental Hygienist who is deeply committed to expanding access to care for underserved communities. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from West Los Angeles College, where she developed a strong foundation in community-based care and prevention.
Prior to becoming a dental hygienist, Lauren worked as a registered dental assistant for over 10 years, gaining extensive hands-on experience and a deep understanding of patient care. Her background has shaped her compassionate, patient-centered approach and continues to drive her passion for improving access to quality oral healthcare.
As a proud member of the Latin community, Lauren is passionate about addressing disparities in oral health and improving access for populations that are often underrepresented in healthcare. Her work is driven by a desire to create culturally aware, compassionate care environments where patients feel understood and respected. She is especially dedicated to education and prevention, empowering patients and families to take control of their long-term health.
Leslie A. La
Leslie is a co-founder of Smiles Without Barriers and a Registered Dental Hygienist with a strong focus on preventive care and patient education. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from West Los Angeles College, where she developed a passion for serving diverse and underserved communities.
Prior to pursuing dental hygiene, Leslie earned her first bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Business Marketing from California State University, Long Beach. Her background in communication and marketing enhances her ability to connect with patients, provide clear and effective education, and build meaningful relationships within the communities she serves.
As a member of the Asian community, Leslie recognizes the importance of cultural sensitivity and communication in healthcare. She is passionate about bridging gaps in care by building trust with patients from all backgrounds and ensuring they feel comfortable and supported. Her approach centers on education, early intervention, and empowering individuals to improve both their oral and overall health.
Zoe Q. Wolk
Zoe is a co-founder of Smiles Without Barriers and a Registered Dental Hygienist dedicated to delivering compassionate, accessible care to those in need. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from West Los Angeles College, where she built a strong foundation in preventive care and community-based dentistry.
Prior to becoming a dental hygienist, Zoe worked as a registered dental assistant, gaining extensive valuable clinical experience and a deep understanding of patient care across a variety of settings. This background shaped her commitment to providing thoughtful, patient-centered treatment rooted in empathy, comfort, and trust.
With a strong passion for community outreach, Zoe is committed to serving vulnerable populations. She also has experience working with patients with anxiety and other developmental or behavioral considerations, and is skilled in creating a calm, supportive environment that promotes comfort and cooperation during care.
Drawing from a multicultural family background, she values cultural awareness and connection in healthcare and strives to ensure every patient feels respected, understood, and supported in their care.
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