Floss and Smiles: A Homecoming of Healing

First-grader Rajsa learns how to care for her teeth.

When Dr. Flavia Myrtaj returned to her hometown of Pogradec, Albania, it wasn’t just to reconnect with family or revisit familiar places, it was a mission of care.  

Now a practicing dentist in Tampa, Florida, Flavia is also a proud graduate of Nehemiah School (Shkolla Nehemia) and Tufts University. Her recent trip to Albania brought her full circle: from student to servant, from recipient to giver. Flavia launched her volunteer initiative, Floss and Smiles, with a clear purpose, to provide essential dental education and care to children who might not otherwise receive it. And where better to begin than with the very schools that shaped her own journey? 

“I graduated from Nehemiah Gateway,” she shared. “That’s where my passion for serving others took root. I still remember volunteering at Christmastime, delivering gifts to children in remote villages. That experience stayed with me. It taught me what compassion in action looks like.” 

During her visit, Flavia provided dental checkups and hygiene lessons to students at both Nehemiah School and Amaro Tan. Her team educated children aged 6–10 on how to care for their teeth, how nutrition affects oral health, and what prevention looks like in daily life. Each child received a checkup, fluoride varnish, and a goodie bag with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. 

“This is a key age, when kids are transitioning from baby teeth to permanent ones,” Flavia explained. “It’s the perfect time to help them build strong, lifelong habits.” 

Flavia emphasized that beyond technical care, relationship matters. Delivering care in her mother tongue, among children who reminded her of her own childhood, brought a special joy. 

“I’ve done volunteer work in other countries, but this was different. This was personal. Seeing their smiles and excitement - that’s what fuels me to keep going.” 

Flavia teaching dental hygiene playfully with help from dedicated volunteers.

Her dream is to grow Floss and Smiles into a sustainable outreach program that not only educates but also provides free dental care to children across underserved communities in Albania. To make this a reality, she hopes to build a network of dental professionals, volunteers, and supporters. 

“Oral health is often overlooked, but the consequences of neglect can be serious. When we offer knowledge, care, and prevention, we don’t just protect teeth, we empower lives.” 

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