Hello!
I’m Nika, a pre-dental student and the founder of Smiles for Schools. I’m passionate about prevention, education, and helping people build the kind of confidence that starts with a healthy smile.
My Story
I was 11 when I learned you were supposed to brush your teeth twice a day. In the small town where I grew up, oral health was rarely mentioned in schools, and something so basic was easy to overlook.
​
Years later, while volunteering in underserved communities, I realized how common that same oversight was, and how much potential there is in prevention through education. Motivated by that, I started Smiles for Schools during my gap year so students wouldn’t have to grow up with the same uncertainty.
At first, it was simple goodie bags filled with toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss. But wanting to go beyond supplies, I took a position as an instructor with the Santa Ana School District. That opened the door for us to lead classroom presentations, where we made oral health approachable and fun.
This project has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey. I’ve watched children open their first dental kit with excitement and seen how a short lesson can spark pride in their smiles. For me, Smiles for Schools is more than outreach, it’s a reminder of what’s possible when we invest early in education, prevention, and empowerment.
