Community Outreach
At Shenton Park Village Dental, our commitment to care extends beyond the clinic.
Village Dental Outreach began as a local initiative in Shenton Park and has grown into a broader effort supporting underserved communities both locally and internationally. Each year, 5% of our profits are directed toward outreach programmes that focus on sustainable oral health education and practical dental care.
Our Founder
For Dr Ash, dentistry is about more than clinical care. It is about connection, education and creating positive change.
As Principal Dentist at Shenton Park Village Dental and Founder of the Village Dental Foundation, she remains committed to supporting patients, caring for the environment and contributing to both local and global communities. Outreach is a natural extension of her everyday philosophy of thoughtful, community-focused care.
Our Mission
We believe everyone deserves access to oral health education and support.
Through our outreach initiatives, we aim to empower individuals and communities with practical knowledge and resources that encourage lifelong oral health habits.
Our approach centres on sustainability, both in the way we deliver education and in the products we choose to share.
Local Impact: Smiles in Our Community
Caring for our local community is where our story began.
Our local initiatives include:
- Providing sustainable oral care packs for children, featuring compostable products that promote environmental responsibility
- Delivering dental health education through partnerships with UWA Early Learning Centre and Rosalie Primary School
- Encouraging healthy nutrition and preventative oral care habits
- Including plantable seed pencils in toothbrush packs to reinforce sustainability values
By combining oral health education with environmental awareness, we aim to support healthy smiles while encouraging care for the planet.
Global Outreach Programmes
Our international outreach programmes support communities with limited access to dental services. Each initiative is delivered in partnership with local organisations to ensure care and education are appropriate and sustainable.
The East Bali Oral Health and Sustainability Program brought together oral health education and environmental learning for young children. Delivered at Ashram Gandhi Kindergarten in Candidasa, the programme combined interactive dental education with a beach clean-up, reinforcing the link between personal health and environmental responsibility.
In Madhya Pradesh, India, and Erakor Village in Vanuatu, we provided oral health education in local languages alongside dental examinations. Written resources supported continued learning for families and teachers beyond the visit.
These recent programmes reflect our ongoing commitment to community, conservation and health.
Earlier Outreach Initiatives
Before our recent programmes in India, Vanuatu and East Bali, Village Dental Outreach supported communities across Kenya, Indonesia and India.
Kenya – 2024
Working with Mahtumaini Children’s Program, Turi Children’s Program, Olmalaika Trust and Ole Yenko Village, we delivered school-based oral health education, community dental camps and practical care, including support for children with additional needs.
Ubud, Bali – 2024
At Kedewatan Village’s dance school pavilion, we combined oral health education with local cultural elements. Children received eco-friendly oral care packs and engaged in conversations about healthy food choices and daily brushing habits.
Gujarat, India – 2024
In a remote school, we delivered a full oral health programme in Gujarati, focusing on prevention and sustainability. A fund was established to assist children requiring further restorative care through local providers.
Earlier initiatives in Borneo in 2022 and Sumba, Indonesia in 2023 helped shape our ongoing commitment to education, sustainability and community partnership.
Featured Blogs
Our Kenyan Dental Mission: Bringing Smiles to Children in Need
We believe healthy smiles should be accessible to everyone, regardless of location or resources. Recently, Dr Ash (Dentist) and her family went on an incredible journey to Kenya, where they conducted several oral health programmes to educate and care for children in remote communities.
Bringing Smiles Beyond Borders: Our Outreach in Vanuatu, India and Bali
Over the past two years, Village Dental Outreach has supported programmes in Madhya Pradesh, India, Erakor Village in Vanuatu, and most recently East Bali. Each experience has strengthened our belief that oral health education and environmental awareness can work hand in hand.
As Seen in the Media
We’re proud to be featured in the media for our contributions to the community and dental health initiatives. We’re honoured to share our journey and the recognition we’ve received.
This Bite Magazine article celebrates her commitment to giving back and making a meaningful difference through oral health care and education.
Dr. Ash Shah shares her inspiring journey and the innovative strategies she’s used to create a thriving, values-driven practice with a strong, positive team culture
Follow Our Outreach Journey
We regularly share reflections and updates from our outreach programmes.
Visit our foundation site to explore recent outreach stories and learn more about Village Dental Outreach.
