ADA Humanitarian Award winner improves access to care in rural Missouri
William Kane, D.D.S., founder of Smiles of Hope Dental Clinic, receives 2025 award
William Kane, D.D.S., founded Smiles of Hope Dental Clinic in March 2010 to help address access-to-care issues in rural Missouri. Since then, his organization has provided more than $9 million in dental care to over 11,000 patients.
Dr. Kane is this year’s recipient of the ADA Humanitarian Award, one of the American Dental Association’s highest honors. Each year, the award recognizes an ADA member dentist who has created a legacy of humanitarian work. Criteria include significantly improving the quality of life and oral health of individuals both in the U.S. and abroad for 10 or more years, demonstrating significant leadership, and serving as an inspiration to others both in the dental profession and the general population.
“I am so very humbled to receive this recognition from my colleagues,” said Dr. Kane, who will be recognized Oct. 24 during the Changemakers Celebration at SmileCon in Washington, D.C. “The award isn't about me; it’s about everyone involved in any type of humanitarian effort. Smiles of Hope was born out of a desire to address access-to-care issues in my community and give back to those in need, and it’s truly one of my greatest joys. I am so very grateful to the entire staff of Lighthouse Church and the many volunteers who have helped Smiles of Hope Dental Clinic provide care to those in need.”
Smiles of Hope held its first volunteer-run clinic in Parma, Missouri, in an RV with one dental unit. Monthly clinics alternated between Parma and Dexter, Missouri — where Dr. Kane’s general dental practice has been located since 1980. By 2012, the organization was treating as many as 70 patients each month. The clinic then expanded to a construction trailer with two dental chairs and multiple portable chairs. In fall 2013, a 10-chair clinic was built in the upstairs of Lighthouse Church in Dexter.
In 2024, Smiles of Hope opened a second location in Fenton, Missouri, outside St. Louis, and a new 33-chair clinic is being built in Dexter.
“I greatly enjoy my practice of 45 years; however, working in the Smiles of Hope Dental Clinic is one of my greatest joys,” Dr. Kane said. “Access to dental care in rural America is complicated by a combination of factors, including substance abuse, financial matters, transportation and other lifestyle issues.”
Based on the needs of its patients, the organization focuses on pain and infection control. Patients include veterans, inmates and those living in recovery houses, and some patients travel more than 1,000 miles to obtain care.
Beyond his time, Dr. Kane has donated equipment, supplies and funds to Smiles of Hope. The Humanitarian Award comes with a $10,000 donation to the dental charity of his choice.
“The ADA Humanitarian Award recognizes those who have selflessly made a lasting impact on the oral health care and overall well-being of their fellow human beings,” ADA President Brett Kessler, D.D.S., said. “Dr. Kane’s passion for dentistry and dedication to serving his community ensure Smiles of Hope continues to provide vital oral health services long into the future.”
Dr. Kane said he encourages the next generation of dentists to give freely of their time and talent and finds the role of mentor to be rewarding and motivating. Smiles of Hope regularly works with faculty and students from A.T. Still University’s Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health to provide care to patients. At least 29 Smiles of Hope volunteers who began as predental students are now practicing dentistry or attending dental school.
“I believe all dentists provide humanitarian care in their practices, perhaps some more than others. However, for me it is very important,” Dr. Kane said. “Dentists can provide relief of pain and infection in a very short time frame, thus improving the quality of life for the individual in pain. To see a patient who has been in pain for quite some time feel relief is a wonderful thing to experience.”
To learn more about the Humanitarian Award, visit the ADA website.
