FINAL DAY IN MADAGASCAR: ONE LAST MORNING OF CARE
October 9, 2026
Our 9th dental mission in Madagascar is entering its final day! This morning, our international team is back together for one last half-day of providing dental care to local children.
So far, 703 patients have received treatment, with thousands of teeth treated throughout the week.
Yesterday was also a very special day. We arranged hospital facilities for two cleft surgeries on two-year-old children. The Modern Dental Care Foundation is sponsoring three days of hospital care for both children, and today the dentist is returning to check on their recovery.
As our team begins its final morning, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to all the dentists, volunteers, local partners, sponsors and everyone who has supported this mission. Your generosity, time, dedication and teamwork have made a real difference to so many children and their families.
One team, one shared mission: making a difference, one smile at a time.
DAY 4: IN MADAGASCAR: 503 PATIENTS TREATED AND SMILES BEYOND THE CLINIC
October 8, 2026
As we begin day 4 of the Modern Dental Care Foundation's 9th mission in Madagascar, we are proud to share the impact our international dental team has made so far.
Over the first three days, 503 patients have received dental care, with a total of 1,618 teeth treated through:
- 257 extractions (503 teeth)
- 186 dental care procedures (377 teeth)
- 76 scaling treatments
- 141 sealant procedures (662 teeth)
Today, our dedicated team continues providing much-needed dental treatments to local children and communities.
Bringing smiles beyond dental care
Our mission goes beyond the dental clinic. Our team has also been visiting local schools, bringing smiles to children in a different way.
During these visits, we have been handing out school supplies and play materials, including notebooks, pens, coloured pencils, balls and skipping ropes. Small gifts that encourage children to learn, play and enjoy their time at school.
These moments remind us that making a difference is not only about providing dental treatments, but also about supporting children's everyday lives and creating moments of happiness.
With day 4 now underway, we look forward to helping even more children and creating many more smiles!
Day 3: Ready for Another Day of Care
October 7, 2026
Day 3 of our 9th mission in Madagascar is underway!
After two busy days, our international team has already treated 317 patients and 960 teeth, including 319 extractions, 237 dental care treatments, 35 scaling treatments and 369 sealants.
The mission goes beyond the temporary clinic. Our team has also been visiting local schools, where children receive oral health education and learn more about taking care of their teeth. And of course, our clown is there too, helping the children feel comfortable, bringing some laughter and making a visit to the dentist a little less scary.
Today, the team is back at work, ready for another full day of treatment, prevention and education.
On to Day 3!
DAY 2 OF OUR 9TH MISSION IN MADAGASCAR
October 6, 2026
Day 2 of our mission in Madagascar is underway.
Today, our international dental team continues providing dental check-ups and treatments to local children.
We are especially grateful for the patience and trust of the children, who wait calmly for their turn to receive care. Their smiles and courage make every day of this mission special.
Another full day focused on treatment, prevention and healthier smiles for the future.
More updates from Madagascar will follow throughout the week.
Modern Dental Care Foundation begins its 9th mission in Madagascar
October 5, 2026
The Modern Dental Care Foundation has started its 9th dental mission in Madagascar, bringing together the largest and most international team in the foundation’s eight-year history.
This year, 15 dentists are working side by side: four dentists from Europe, including two from the Netherlands, one from Belgium and one from Germany; three dentists from Hong Kong, including Modern Dental Group CEO Dr Ronald Chan; one Australian dentist; and seven local dentists from Madagascar. A German dental assistant is also supporting the team throughout the mission.
With such a large international team working long days, the temporary clinic has considerable capacity to provide much-needed dental care to local children.
From treatment to long-term prevention
The mission is focused on sustainably supporting five local public schools. Children receive dental examinations and treatment where necessary, while the programme also places a strong emphasis on prevention.
Portable dental technology allows the team to provide care in a setting where access to conventional dental facilities can be limited. Digital X-ray equipment, as shown in the images, enables dentists to look beyond what can be seen during a visual examination. This helps them assess teeth, roots and surrounding structures and determine the appropriate treatment for each patient.
After nine missions, the impact of this long-term approach is becoming increasingly visible.
The team is now seeing fewer cases requiring extraction, creating more opportunities to focus on protecting teeth through preventive care and treatments such as sealing.
Creating healthier smiles beyond the mission
The work does not stop when the dental team leaves Madagascar. The participating schools receive oral-health education as well as toothbrushes and toothpaste throughout the year.
By combining immediate dental treatment with education and ongoing prevention, the Modern Dental Care Foundation aims to create an impact that lasts far beyond a single week.
Depending on the team’s capacity during this mission, an additional public school may also be included in the programme.
Because sustainable dental care is not only about treating problems, it is about preventing them from developing in the first place.
Mission 2025: Voices from the Heart of the Mission
Behind every Modern Dental Care Foundation mission are the dedicated dentists who give their time, skills, and hearts to help others. Their experiences in Madagascar reflect not only the transformative power of dental care but also the deep human connection that arises from serving those in need.
Here, they share their personal reflections, moments of gratitude, courage, and inspiration that remind us why this work matters.
Volunteer Dentist – Dr. Carlijn
“It’s overwhelming to see how happy the children are to visit the dentist and at the same time, deeply moving to realize how much pain they must have endured before. It’s truly wonderful to be able to do something meaningful for these kids.”
Volunteer Dentist – Dr. Loa-An
“It’s incredibly rewarding to help underprivileged children and adults find relief from dental pain and regain the ability to eat comfortably and with confidence. At times, it can feel overwhelming as you strive to do as much as possible for every patient, but ultimately, it’s deeply fulfilling to see their smiles and gratitude at the end of each day.”
Volunteer Dentist – Dr. Dora
“My little superheroes ❤️ Somehow, I’ve always had a soft spot for Africa. These beautiful people have so little, yet they are full of kindness and gratitude. The little children, their eyes filled with fear, yet so resilient and brave, trust us completely, even though we don’t share the same language.
Here, you never look at the clock wishing the day would end. You’re fueled by adrenaline and reminded what it truly means to help someone. I absolutely love our local assistants, working tirelessly, adapting to our needs, and above all, being so genuinely kind and caring toward the children, straight from the heart.
We may think we’re the ones helping them, but in truth, they’re the ones helping us, to see more clearly, to appreciate what we have, and to bring joy back into our daily lives. Thank you, Madagascar. I hope to do this every year. ❤️”
Volunteer Dentist – Dr. Anna
“Each mission fills my heart with happiness and purpose. Helping Malagasy children regain their smiles and confidence is what keeps me motivated. I’m deeply grateful to the incredible international team of the Modern Dental Care Foundation for bringing hope, care, and brighter, healthier futures to Madagascar.
I’m proud to be part of this mission and to keep making a difference, one smile at a time. With people like us, the Malagasy, I am truly thankful. 🙏❤️”
Volunteer Dentist – Dr. Ina:
“I joined this mission to give, but in the end, I received far more than I offered. The children’s smiles and the kindness of the people here have filled my heart warmer and fuller than ever.
It may seem like a drop in the ocean, but every bit counts. Things are already better than before this mission, and I truly hope our efforts will continue, bringing remarkable change in the future.”
The Modern Dental Care Foundation Continues Its Mission in Madagascar
October 22, 2025
The Modern Dental Care Foundation (MDCF) has returned to Madagascar for another impactful mission, bringing essential dental care to those most in need. The dedicated team of international and Malagasy dentists treated 132 patients in a single day, performing 82 extractions, 48 dental treatments, 20 scalings, and 17 sealants, a total of over 400 teeth treated. Cumulatively, the mission has already reached 437 patients this week.
In addition to their clinical work, the team visited a local school, distributing toothbrushes and toothpaste while teaching children proper brushing techniques. This hands-on education continues MDCF’s long-term preventive initiative, helping children build sustainable oral hygiene habits for life.
“Our focus on prevention and education is just as vital as the treatments themselves,” said Torsten Schwafert, CEO Modern Dental Europe. “By empowering children with knowledge and tools, we aim to reduce future dental problems and promote lasting oral health.”
Making a Difference — Day 2 of Care
October 21, 2025
Modern Dental Europe is proud to support this meaningful yearly event, bringing essential dental treatments to those who might otherwise never have access to care.
As of Day 2, our teams have completed 305 interventions across 327 teeth, including 147 extractions, 120 dental care treatments, and 67 scaling procedures. Every patient helped represents a life changed for the better.
The Modern Dental Care Foundation’s mission of sustainability continues to shine through. Dentists participating this year see firsthand the lasting results of past missions — with many children now needing only minor treatments thanks to ongoing education and early intervention. Yet, the number of untreated patients remains large, reinforcing our commitment to keep going, one patient, one smile at a time.
A Powerful First Day of Care – 20 October 2025
On 20 October 2025, the Modern Dental Care Foundation completed the first full day of treatments during our ongoing mission in Madagascar. Our dedicated team of dentists, assistants, sterilization specialists, and registration staff worked tirelessly to deliver essential dental care to those who need it most.
Highlights from the day:
- 32 patients received dental care
- 196 teeth extractions and 124 larger fillings performed
- 42 scaling treatments and 42 sealants applied
- 169 patients treated since the start of this mission
These numbers reflect more than treatments, they represent lives touched and smiles restored.
Prevention remains at the heart of our work. We educate children in local schools, provide toothbrushes and toothpaste to five schools, and seal molars on a large scale to prevent future decay. After four years of continuous support, children are now brushing their teeth daily at school, and the results are clear: fewer cavities and better oral health.
Despite the challenging conditions and the limited access to dental care in Madagascar, our team feels immense gratitude and purpose. Every patient treated and every child reached brings us closer to a healthier future. We are proud of the compassion, expertise, and teamwork that make this mission possible and remain committed to expanding our impact year after year.
Mission 2025: Modern Dental Care Foundation Launched 8th Mission Madagascar
On Saturday, 12 October, our 8th dental mission to Madagascar officially began as six passionate dentists from across Europe and one from Australia set off on their journey to provide much-needed dental care.
Despite recent unrest in Madagascar creating uncertainty about whether the mission could go ahead, our dedicated team remained determined, and thankfully, everything aligned for them to travel as planned.
After a short night on Sunday, 13 October, the group met in person for the very first time. Together, they transformed the space into a fully equipped pop-up dental clinic, ready to welcome patients and kick off a meaningful week of care.
This mission is not just about treatment, it’s about connection and collaboration. Our international volunteers are working hand in hand with local dental professionals, ensuring that even more children can receive care, while also exchanging valuable knowledge and expertise that will have a lasting impact beyond this week.
We are focused on prevention as a key part of our work, helping children and families understand how to care for their oral health and reduce the need for invasive treatments over time.
Mission 2024: Modern Dental Care Foundation Launched 7th Mission in Antananarivo, Madagascar
The Modern Dental Care Foundation (MDCF) commenced its 7th mission in Antananarivo, Madagascar. A dedicated team of seven dentists, comprising three from Denmark, one from Germany, two from Belgium, and one from the Netherlands, were collaborating with four Malagasy dentists to deliver essential dental care to more than 1,000 patients in a week.
The mission had a remarkable start, treating over 200 patients on the first day. The primary focus has been on the children of five local schools, where MDCF initiated a preventative dental care program two years ago. Each child receives toothbrushes and toothpaste, which are stored in classrooms for regular use. In addition to treatments such as extractions, fillings, and root canal procedures, the team has also begun sealing caries-free, erupting molars on a large scale for the first time.
This emphasis on prevention aims to reduce the need for invasive treatments over time. "We expect to see significantly fewer invasive procedures as we continue focusing on preventive care," shared Torsten Schwafert.
Schwafert also expressed his deep gratitude to the participating dentists for their commitment, saying, "We are extremely grateful for the dentists who have generously donated their time and covered their travel expenses to join this mission. Their work here brings immense relief to the local community, significantly improving the quality of life by alleviating dental pain and infection."
A special thank you goes out to GC for their generous donation of Triage sealing material, which is instrumental in supporting the mission's preventive efforts.
The new focus on prevention aims to reduce the need for invasive treatments over time.