A Smile That Changes Lives: SQM and Fundación Sonrisas Bring Oral Health Care to Tarapacá

The initiative led by SQM in partnership with Fundación Sonrisas provides free dental care and oral health education to children, bringing these services especially to rural communities in El Tamarugal and the coastal area of Iquique. This effort not only contributes to improving their health, but also helps strengthen their confidence, self-esteem, and quality of life.

Through visits to local schools, the program brings healthcare professionals closer to communities that, due to their location and distance, face greater challenges in accessing these services. In addition to dental care, the initiative provides oral health education for students and their families, promoting healthy habits that can be maintained over time.

The program has already benefited more than 150 children and will continue reaching communities such as La Huayca, La Tirana, and Pozo Almonte. This year, the goal is to reach 500 new smiles, further expanding the initiative’s positive impact on students and their families.

Raúl Valdivia, Founder and Executive Director of Fundación Sonrisas, said: “We are very pleased to promote Ruta Sonrisas Tarapacá together with SQM and reach rural schools where access to healthcare professionals is more limited. We want to bring dental care and education closer to children and their families, promoting good oral health habits that they can maintain throughout their lives.”