The Texas-based oral and maxillofacial surgeon is acknowledged for his a long time of service offering free surgical care to kids via the Smile Worldwide Basis.
The American Dental Affiliation (ADA) has named Jeffrey J Moses, DDS, FAACS, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon from New Braunfels, Texas, the recipient of the 2026 ADA Humanitarian Award. The award acknowledges his charitable work via the Smile Worldwide Basis, a company he based to supply free surgical care to kids with cleft and craniofacial anomalies.
Moses might be honored this fall on the ADA 2026 Scientific Session in Indianapolis, Ind, and can obtain $10,000 for his chosen charity. The annual Humanitarian Award honors an ADA member for making a legacy of volunteer work.
Many years of Service and Mentorship
For the reason that Eighties, Moses has offered free surgical care to kids within the US and internationally. As president of the Smile Worldwide Basis, he leads six to eight surgical missions every year, with clinics in Mexico and Costa Rica.
A key a part of his work includes coaching and mentorship. Surgical residents and fellows who take part in missions acquire surgical expertise and discover ways to arrange charitable packages. Moses additionally trains native oral healthcare professionals to make sure continuity of care. Clinics established in Ukraine and India have change into self-sufficient and have expanded their providers to incorporate speech remedy, ear exams, and psychological consultations.
“As an oral & maxillofacial surgeon myself, I perceive deeply the profound distinction Dr Moses makes within the lives of the kids he serves,” says Richard Rosato, DMD, president of the ADA, in a launch. “His charitable work transforms communities and empowers oral well being care suppliers, instilling a legacy of care that can end in hundreds extra kids main more healthy, happier lives.”
Dedication to Care
Moses retired from his medical observe in 2003 to deal with his philanthropic efforts. He beforehand served within the US Naval Dental Corp, attaining the rank of Lieutenant-Commander. He’s a diplomate of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgical procedure and the Nationwide Board of Dental Anesthesiology.
“Whereas I’m deeply honored and humbled to obtain the ADA Humanitarian Award, the true credit score belongs to our unbelievable volunteers. For our crew, each alternative to supply life-long therapeutic for a kid with a facial cleft is a profound privilege,” says Moses, in a launch. “We lead by giving. In serving others, you create house for the universe to pour abundance into your life.”
Photograph: ADA
