​Kincardine woman wants everyone to have a reason to smile

Taylor Carney wants everyone to have a reason to smile.

The 21-year-old Kincardine woman founded the Smile Together Initiative, a community-driven program focused on reducing barriers to oral health in Kincardine, and has now expanded that impact with Smiles to Go, distributing free oral hygiene kits to children and adults in the community, this Wednesday, Dec. 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Kincardine Food Bank, just in time for Christmas.

"I'm currently in my fourth year of a Bachelor of Science in Medical Sciences (Honours), with a minor in Biological Sciences at Brock University," says Carney. "I grew up in Huron-Kinloss Township and attended Elgin Market Public School and Kincardine District Secondary School. My community has always been very important to me, and that connection inspired me to start the Smile Together Initiative.

"In March, 2025, we partnered with a local dentist's office and Patterson Dental to provide more than $21,000 in free dental care to Kincardine residents with low incomes, who don't have private, provincial and government dental insurance coverage."

Carney says her experience working in the dental field prompted her to develop these programs to help those in need.

"I noticed that not everyone has the same access to dental care, and that social and structural factors can significantly influence oral health outcomes," she says. "For many people, cost and availability make it challenging to receive even basic dental care, and as a result, oral health is sometimes overlooked. These experiences showed me that oral health is closely connected to overall health, confidence, and personal dignity. When people are unable to care for their oral health, it can affect nutrition, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Seeing this inspired me to create programs that help reduce barriers and expand access to oral health care in the community I love."

Carney says supporting local goes beyond businesses. It’s about standing beside your neighbours and strengthening the community we share.

"I genuinely believe a smile has the power to change the course of someone’s day, shaping that person's attitude, confidence, and overall well-being, and I hope this initiative helps bring smiles to those who need them most."

The Smiles to Go kits were made possible through generous support from partners, including Patterson Dental which supplied all the adult's and child’s toothbrushes and floss, as well as local dental offices, Lakeview Dental Services, Kincardine Dentistry, and Dr. Deller-Quinn Family Dentistry, which donated all of the toothpaste (adult and kids).



Smiles to Go kits will be available Dec. 24, at the Kincardine Food Bank

Carney is pursuing a career in dentistry and is passionate about making a meaningful impact, particularly in under-served populations. She plans to continue growing the Smile Together Initiative beyond a single program or event.

"My long-term vision includes expanding into additional community-based programs, including oral health education and outreach initiatives that address both prevention and access to care," she says. "In February, I will be travelling to Guatemala with 'Kindness in Action' on a dental mission trip, where I will assist in providing dental care and oral health education to under-served communities. This experience is something I plan to incorporate into the future of the Smile Together Initiative thoughtfully, bringing lessons learned through global service back into local action.

"I also hope that the Smile Together Initiative creates a ripple effect beyond this program. My goal is not only to support those receiving care but to inspire others to recognize the impact they can have within their own communities.

"Change doesn’t always start with something big. It starts with one person choosing to care, to act, and to help where you can. I hope this initiative empowers others to take that first step, because meaningful change truly begins with you.

"My goal is to build a sustainable initiative grounded in education, compassion, and community, one that not only responds to immediate needs but also empowers individuals with the knowledge and resources to take control of their oral health. By recognizing the social determinants of health, such as access to care, income, education, and living conditions, this initiative aims to address the broader factors that influence oral health outcomes. By connecting community-driven efforts with long-term vision, I hope to continue growing an initiative that evolves, adapts, and creates meaningful, lasting impact."