SANDALS FOUNDATION AND THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH COLLABORATE TO
BRING HISTORIC 1000 SMILES DENTAL CLINIC TO ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA.
SAINT JOHN’S, Antigua – January 13, 2026 – The Ministry of Health on Monday held a
courtesy call meeting with members of United States medical volunteer group, Great Shape! Inc.
at the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa, ahead of the organization’s upcoming free dental
clinic, 1000 Smiles that has been coordinated by the Sandals Foundation in collaboration with
the Ministry of Health.
The meeting brought together Minister of Health, the Honourable Sir Molwyn Joseph, key health
ministry officials, Great Shape! Inc., leadership, and the Sandals Foundation to reaffirm a shared
commitment to improving access to oral healthcare throughout across Antigua and Barbuda.
This is the first time the Great Shape! Inc. Dental team is delivering services in Antigua and
Barbuda, marking a major expansion of their regional dental mission which takes place annually
in Jamaica, The Bahamas, Saint Lucia, Grenada, and Turks and Caicos.
Program Director of Great Shape Inc., Shantelle Senior-Clarke, said the team is pleased to be on
the ground to deliver much-needed services, including examinations, cleanings, extractions, root
canals, and other dental treatments based on assessments conducted through the clinic. She also
praised the Ministry of Health for its unwavering support, highlighting the Ministry’s hands-on
leadership and guidance, including the coordination of several key logistical arrangements to
ensure the smooth execution and operation of the clinic.
Minister of Health, the Honourable Sir Molwyn Joseph, welcomed the team and expressed his
appreciation for the continued partnership. He noted that he is delighted to have Great Shape Inc.
in Antigua and Barbuda and looks forward to continued collaboration in advancing community
health initiatives.
For its part, the Sandals Foundation re-affirmed its pride in its longstanding partnership with
Great Shape! team, a collaboration spanning many years and multiple islands across the
Caribbean.
“It is our fundamental belief that access to quality oral healthcare is paramount to the overall
wellbeing of families and the health of a community. We are committed to using the network of
our resources to continue to bring this primary service to as many residents as is possible,” said
Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation.In Antigua and Barbuda, the Sandals Foundation has committed to supporting Great Shape!
Dental’s health outreach initiative through logistical assistance, accommodation support,
community coordination, and volunteer engagement. These efforts are expected to enable
hundreds, and potentially thousands, of residents—particularly children, seniors, and
underserved individuals—to receive free, high-quality dental care that might otherwise be out of
reach.
Sandals General Manager, David Latchimy, underscored the resort’s commitment to community
wellbeing, stating “true hospitality extends beyond our resorts and into the communities we
serve. Supporting free community dental services aligns perfectly with our core values—caring
for people, empowering communities, and creating lasting positive change. Oral health is a
critical component of overall health, and the services being offered through this initiative will
make a meaningful difference in the lives of many individuals and families across Antigua and
Barbuda.”
The free community dental clinic will run from January 19 to January 30 at the Multipurpose
Cultural Center, operating Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pre-registration is
already underway at the Villa, Glanvilles, Gray’s Farm, Clare Hall, Liberta and Johnson’s Point
Polyclinics and Health Centers.
Members of the public are strongly encouraged to take advantage of these free dental services
and may visit any of the listed health facilities to complete the pre-registration forms.
