About Davao Smiles
Home | About | Documentary | Gallery | Contact
About the Project
Davao Smiles is a student-produced documentary that captures a powerful humanitarian dental mission in Davao City, Philippines. Spearheaded by Emeritus Professor Paul S. Rose of the University of Utah, the project brought together Korean and Filipino dental professionals to provide free dental care to underserved children and families in honor of National Children’s Month.
This inspiring two-day volunteer effort, held November 1–2, 2024, was made possible through the collaboration of dental experts, nonprofit leaders, student filmmakers, and faculty from the Utah Asia Campus (UAC). The project highlights the critical need for dental care in the region—where only 2.51 dentists serve every 10,000 people—and the life-changing impact that cross-border collaboration can have.
The documentary was directed, filmed, and edited by students enrolled in Professor Rose’s Documentary Production course (COMM 4560), offering them hands-on experience in global storytelling. Led by Communication student Sejong Kim and edited by Hyunjin Lee, the student team followed the mission on the ground in Davao, navigating tight schedules, intense heat, and the emotional realities of humanitarian work—all while developing professional skills in real-world filmmaking.
Local leadership came from Dr. Gamaliel Urbi of Urbidontics in Davao, who hosted the mission at his dental clinic, while Dr. JeongWoo Lee of Chicago Dental Clinic in South Korea coordinated the participation of three dentists and 13 clinicians. The nonprofit Global Impact provided logistical support, meals, transportation, and patient outreach. The Philippine Army personnel also contributed behind the scenes, strengthening bonds with the local community.
Following the mission, the team capped their journey with a cultural excursion in Cebu before returning to their campuses in South Korea and the U.S.
Davao Smiles has been submitted to a national film festival in South Korea and will premiere in both Korean and English. The film is a testament to the power of collaboration, compassion, and student-driven storytelling.
