Partnering for Global Impact-Diamond Smiles Edinburgh, Scotland

Understanding the Impact

Diamond Smiles Foundation-Edinburgh, Scotland

Diamond Smiles Foundation is a specialized nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring dignity and confidence through comprehensive dental care by focusing exclusively on supporting women who have survived domestic abuse or substance misuse challenges.

Their mission is to provide these women with essential dental services, which is a critical aspect of their recovery and healing. Through warm, compassionate care and professional treatment, Diamond Smiles helps women reclaim their smiles and a renewed sense of self-worth and confidence.

Diamond Smiles is committed to improving health, rebuilding confidence, and enhancing quality of life—one smile at a time.

Hope Smiles Together partnered with Diamond Smiles Foundation when I was in Edinburgh.  Connecting with Dr. Leanne Branton, their founder, I was inspired by her mission to restore confidence back to her patients who had suffered.  Hope Smiles Together was happy to send toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss to her to aid in her cause to benefit her patients and their families with dental care.

Here is my interview with Dr. Leanne Branton, founder of Diamond Smiles Foundation:

• How did Diamond Smiles develop?  Diamond Smiles Foundation was founded in November 2024 after we became aware, through our work with Edinburgh Women’s Aid, of the huge unmet need for dental care among women who had experienced domestic abuse.  Many had lived with dental trauma, neglect or damage for years, often affecting their confidence and ability to move forward.  My sister, Aimi and I wanted to use our skills, our clinic and the generosity of the dental profession to change that.  The Foundation has since grown to also support people recovering from addiction, working through trusted referral partners. 
• What services do you provide?  We provide completely free reconstructive dental care tailored to each individual.  This can range from stabilizing oral health and replacing missing teeth to complex restorative treatment, dental implants, whitening and composite bonding where appropriate.  Our aim is not simply to treat teeth, but to help people regain confidence, dignity and the ability to move forward with their lives. 
• How many practitioners and volunteers do you have involved? We currently have a growing network of approximately 60 practitioners and volunteers supporting the Foundation, including dentists, dental nurses, hygienists and other members of the dental profession.  Many give up their Saturdays to provide care completely free of charge, while others support us through fundraising, administration, events and professional services.
• How many patients have you helped?  In our first year, more than 50 women entered our care pathway, with patients receiving everything from urgent stabilization and routine restorative care to complex full-mouth rehabilitation and dental implant treatment.  Demand continues to grow, and we currently have a waiting list for care. 

Stories from the Field

One story that really captures why the Foundation exists is Coral’s. When she first came to us, her dental problems had a significant impact on her confidence and how she felt about herself.  Through the Foundation, we were able to provide extensive reconstructive treatment and restore her smile.  But the most powerful part of Coral’s story is what happened afterwards.  With renewed confidence, she went on to train as a personal trainer and has since secured a job working in a gym.  For us, that is what Diamond Smiles Foundation is really about.  The dentistry matters enormously, but sometimes changing someone’s smile can become part of a much bigger change in their life. 

– Garrett

How You Can Help

• Donate Supplies: New, travel-size dental supplies can be dropped off at our collection location.
• Financial Support: Monetary donations help us purchase supplies in bulk.
• Volunteer: Join us in organizing supply drives.
• Spread the Word: Share our mission with your network.