Our New Chapter

ACT ASIA is the newest chapter of our global mission to provide specialized dental care to underserved communities. Leveraging our extensive experience in Africa, we are now focused on establishing local partnerships and providing life-changing dental interventions throughout Asia.Our upcoming mission targets Buug, a rural municipality in Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines, where geographic and economic barriers have left thousands without access to basic oral healthcare.

From Burundi to the Philippines: A Legacy of Impact

Bridging the Gap in Gitega

Before setting our sights on Buug, our team dedicated years to serving marginalized communities across East Africa. One of our most significant milestones was our partnership with the UNICEF hospital in Gitega, Burundi. In a region where dental care is often a luxury, we successfully treated hundreds of impoverished patients, providing critical extractions, restorative procedures, and preventative education. Our time in Gitega was more than a clinical mission; it was a masterclass in adapting to limited-resource environments and building trust with local populations who had never before seen a dentist.

A Proven Track Record

Our mission is built on the lessons learned from our extensive work in Tanzania, Kenya, and Zambia. By leveraging our experience navigating fragmented healthcare systems in Africa, we are uniquely equipped to establish the local partnerships and clinical infrastructure necessary to transform oral healthcare in the Zamboanga Sibugay region. We don't just provide temporary relief; we focus on establishing a blueprint for consistent, equitable care. By combining our clinical expertise with a deep respect for local culture, we ensure that every smile we restore in Buug is backed by a legacy of proven success and international cooperation.

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Our Mission

Access to basic healthcare is a global human right, yet oral disease remains a silent crisis in underserved communities. Building on our successful dental missions in Burundi, where we addressed fragmented health systems, ACT ASIA is now launching its inaugural project in Buug, Philippines.In the Philippines, nearly 92% of the population suffers from dental caries, with rural areas like Buug facing severe provider shortages—often only one dentist for every 50,000 people. Our team of professional dentists, hygienists, and students provides the essential extractions, restorations, and preventative education needed to break the cycle of untreated decay. We are dedicated to promoting long-term oral health and improving lives, one smile at a time.

Meet the Team for 2026

Our 2026 team features a diverse blend of veteran members and new volunteers, bringing a wide range of clinical and logistical experience to the mission. Together, we are committed to delivering high-quality dental care and education to the people of Buug.

Dr. Jonathan Clemetson, DDS, MS

"Dr. Jonathan Clemetson is a graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry 2002 and 2010 with a DDS and a Masters in Health Education respectively. He graduated from of the University of North Texas in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology (BSMT).On completion of dental school, Dr. Clemetson (“Dr. C”) did a General Practice Residency (GPR) at St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He has held licenses and certifications in both Oklahoma and Texas.He does General and “Special Care” dentistry both in an office and Hospital Operating Room environment (including Children’s Medical Center of Dallas). He holds memberships in numerous professional dental and non-dental organizations. Dr. C has served numerous years in organizations as, Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) – a Dental Honor Society and Baylor College of Dentistry Alumni Association, in many aspects including as President. He has certifications in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).Dr. C is currently an Adjunct and Clinical Assistant Professor at Texas A&M College of Dentistry (Formerly - Baylor College of Dentistry) where he has been a course director in the Summer Pre-Dental Enrichment Program, The Future Dentist Club and gives numerous lectures at the Dental School and area Colleges.One of his passions is serving the less fortunate and assisting bridging the gap in disparities in oral healthcare. He has led numerous mission trips locally and internationally including Kenya, Zambia and Jamaica (His country of birth …yeah man!)."

Shimirimana Eliya

"My name is Shimirimana Eliya, born and raised in Tanzania, East Africa. I Graduated from Texas A&M Caruth School of Dental Hygiene with a Bachelor's degree in Dental Hygiene in 2023. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology at Centenary College of Louisiana in 2021. Currently, I work for Prism Health of North Texas Dental Clinic, a non-profit organization that strives to provide quality and equitable medical and dental care. I’m passionate about providing optimal care and bridging the gap in disparities in oral healthcare. Having gone through the same pain and struggle, I want to make a difference and impact today‘s generation because they are tomorrow's future. I believe if your goals don't scare you, they are not big enough. Let’s put a smile on someone's face or be the reason why someone laughs today."

Jenny Duong

"Howdy! My name is Jenny Duong! I am Vietnamese, and I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas! I graduated from Texas A&M Caruth School of Dental Hygiene in 2024.I come from a refugee family that spent several months in a refugee camp in the Philippines as a result of the Vietnam War. This opportunity represents a meaningful way for me to give back to a country that played a role in my family’s history. Serving in Buug allows me to combine my professional training with my passion for outreach, preventative care, and patient education, while supporting communities with limited access to oral healthcare. I am honored to use my skills to help improve oral health, restore confidence, and serve with compassion."

Omar Jalal Ali

"My name is Omar Ali, and I'm currently a third-year dental student at Texas A&M School of Dentistry. I'm Palestinian-Lebanese, born and raised in Dallas, Texas. I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) and my master's degree from the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC). I chose dentistry because I was driven to challenge myself and to explore how much positive impact I could make through my career.Participating in this mission trip to the Philippines is an incredible opportunity for me to begin realizing this goal, as I strongly believe that if I have the ability to help others, it is my responsibility to do so. This trip will not only allow me to provide essential dental care to the community in Buug, but also immerse myself fully in their way of life—sharing meals, experiences, and stories. I look forward to forming meaningful connections with the people I meet, creating lifelong memories, and truly understanding the global community we are all a part of. Additionally, I’m excited to experience the vibrant culture and natural beauty of the Zamboanga Sibugay region, which I know will be an unforgettable experience!"

Aimee Diaz

"Hello! My name is Aimée Díaz. I’m originally from Venezuela and grew up in Katy, Texas. I earned my undergraduate degree in Nutritional Sciences with a minor in Art from Texas A&M University in College Station and am currently a second-year dental student at Texas A&M University School of Dentistry in Dallas. Service has always been a core value in my life, especially as a minority. I’ve had the privilege of participating in service trips to the Dominican Republic, Burundi and Panama, where I not only supported underserved communities but also learned deeply from their cultures and experiences.
The opportunity to serve in the Philippines is one I hold with deep gratitude and purpose. I truly believe this could be the most impactful service trip I’ve ever been a part of. As future dental professionals, we’re incredibly fortunate to have access to care and resources, something that is not always a reality in places like the Philippines. I’m honored and excited to be part of a mission where I can help provide essential dental care to those who need it most. It’s a privilege to use what we’re learning to bring relief, support, and a smile to someone’s life."

Jordan Batagower

"Hello! My name is Jordan Batagower, and I am from Dallas, Texas. I earned my undergraduate degree in Biology with a minor in Business from The Ohio State University and am currently a third-year dental student at Texas A&M University School of Dentistry in Dallas.Service has always been a core value that guides both my personal life and my professional goals. Dentistry has given me a unique and meaningful way to serve others, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to use my skills to care for those in need. Being selected to participate in this trip to the Philippines is truly an honor. The ability to provide dental care to underserved communities is both humbling and fulfilling, and it reinforces why I chose this profession. I look forward to serving with compassion, gratitude, and a commitment to delivering high-quality dental care to individuals who truly deserve access to it."

Janelle Rios

"Hello! My name is Janelle Rios, and I am currently a second-year student at Texas A&M College of Dentistry. I was born and raised in Dallas, TX. I earned my undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University (SMU) where I majored in Biology with minors in Psychology and Spanish.As someone who has always been interested in the arts and sciences, I chose dentistry because it balanced the two perfectly. I know that both my creativity and manual dexterity will allow me to help treat others' smiles and overall oral health.I am excited and grateful to participate in this trip to Buug. On this trip I hope to help a community in need while gaining a worthwhile experience that will help me become a better dentist. This will be my first global outreach experience and I can’t wait to use the knowledge and abilities I’ve gained throughout dental school so far to help others."

David Montes

"My name is David Montes, and I am a second-year dental student at Texas A&M College of Dentistry. I am Mexican American and was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology with minors in General Business and Chemistry from Texas Tech University.I am honored to be able to participate in this mission trip to Buug, because service has always been an important part of why I pursued dentistry. This will be the first of many mission trips I hope to take in the future. I view this opportunity as a privilege and a responsibility to serve with excellence and compassion. Growing up, I saw how financial, cultural, and language barriers can prevent individuals and families from receiving basic dental care. This experience motivated me to become a dentist who serves with compassion and understanding. Through this mission trip, I hope to help restore not only oral health, but also confidence and dignity, while working alongside a team that shares a commitment to serving others."

Contact

Have a question about our upcoming mission in Buug or want to learn more about our work? Send us a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.