Jean Paul Laurent

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Jean Paul Laurent
Born (1982-12-30) 30 December 1982 (age 41)
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
NationalityHaitian, American
Alma mater Rockland Community College
NYU College of Dentistry
Columbia | SIPA
Occupation(s) Social entrepreneurship
Humanitarian
Years active2015
OrganizationUnspoken Smiles
Known forInnovative toothbrush invention
Website Jean Paul Laurent

Jean Paul Laurent (born December 30, 1982), is a Haitian-American social entrepreneur, inventor, and humanitarian. He is the Founder and President of Unspoken Smiles, a global non-profit organization dedicated to improving oral health in underserved communities. [1] Since its founding in 2014, Laurent has gained international recognition for his innovative approaches to sustainable dentistry, including the creation of the eco-friendly toothbrush with replaceable heads. [2] His work bridges social impact with business, inspiring the purpose-driven entrepreneurship. [3] [4]

Contents

Born and raised in Haiti, in 2004, Jean Paul relocated to the United States with his family. In 2010, he started volunteering activities in Haiti in the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake. [5] Since then, his activities have led to partnerships with United Nations, Clinton Foundation, American Express among others, and have earned him recognitions, including a recipient of the President Obama Lifetime Achievement Award for volunteer service in 2016 and one of top 100 under 40 Most Influential People of African Descent in 2019. [6] [7]

Biography

Jean Paul was born on 30 December 1982 to his father Jean Felix Laurent, raised and completed high school education in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. In 2004, he relocated to the United States with his mother, father and five siblings. In 2008, Jean Paul enrolled at New York University College of Dentistry where he attended and graduated with bachelor's degree in dental hygiene in 2011. Since 2017, Jean Paul holds master's degree in public administration from Columbia University. [6]

Activities

Jean Paul's activities focus on public speaking, social entrepreneurship, and humanitarianism. As a speaker, Jean Paul featured on the international events that bring people together to share experiences. Since 2020, Jean Paul has been a patron member at Concordia Summit. [8] Between 2020 and 2022, he was a lead organizer of TED's TEDxWaterStreet. [9] [10] As an entrepreneur, Jean Paul has founded SpurHeal App, a mobile app that focuses on dental philanthropy by locating and mapping out free health care services in urban and peri-urban areas around the world. [11] Jean Paul invented Toothbrush with replacement toothbrush heads stored in handle, in 2022, he was granted a patent for his invention by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, as the first Haitian to do so. [2] [12]

Unspoken Smiles

Jean Paul is the founder of Unspoken Smiles Foundation, a non-profit organization with mission of promoting long-term oral health and economic security in the world's most disadvantaged regions. [13] Unspoken Smiles founded in 2014 in the United States, it operates internationally. [14] In 2022, organization was in 9 countries across four continents including India, Haiti, Romania, El Salvador, Guatemala, Iraqi Kurdistan, USA, Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica. [15]

Jean Paul in the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake while assisting children at a camp in Petionville, he noticed abnormal levels of dental deterioration then he was inspired to initiate Unspoken Smiles. Through Unspoken Smiles, Jean Paul has been engaging children throughout the world, teaching them how to maintain proper oral health. Jean Paul launched a pilot program in 2013 in Jacmel, Haiti. [6] [16] Eventually volunteers from other countries began reaching out to implement the same model in their communities. Through Unspoken Smiles, Jean Paul has earned recognition from organizations like the United Nations, Resolution Project, Clinton Foundation, Ashoka, American Express, and TED. [17] [7]

Other considerations

In 2020, Jean Paul's smile was used during Lay’s Smiles for Miles of Aisles campaign, since then it appears on the cover of Lay’s chips bags. [18] [19] Jean Paul served for 2 years on Forbes Councils Member since 2019, and since 2015, he served various non-executive roles at the Clinton Foundation. [20] [21]

Recognitions

2016: A recipient of the President Obama Lifetime Achievement Award for volunteer service. [6]

2018: One of 2018 NYN top 40 Under 40 by NYN Media. [22]

2019: One of top 100 under 40 Most Influential People of African Descent by MIPAD. [7]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toothbrush</span> Oral hygiene tool

A toothbrush is a special type of brush used to clean the teeth, gums, and tongue. It consists of a head of tightly clustered bristles, atop of which toothpaste can be applied, mounted on a handle which facilitates the cleaning of hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. They should be used in conjunction with something to clean between the teeth where the bristles of the toothbrush cannot reach - for example floss, tape or interdental brushes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dentist</span> Health care occupations caring for the mouth and teeth

A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a health care professional who specializes in dentistry, the branch of medicine focused on the teeth, gums, and mouth. The dentist's supporting team aids in providing oral health services. The dental team includes dental assistants, dental hygienists, dental technicians, and sometimes dental therapists.

Teeth cleaning is part of oral hygiene and involves the removal of dental plaque from teeth with the intention of preventing cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. People routinely clean their own teeth by brushing and interdental cleaning, and dental hygienists can remove hardened deposits (tartar) not removed by routine cleaning. Those with dentures and natural teeth may supplement their cleaning with a denture cleaner.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dental floss</span> Cord of thin filaments used in interdental cleaning

Dental floss is a cord of thin filaments, typically made of nylon or silk, used in interdental cleaning to remove food and dental plaque from between teeth or places a toothbrush has difficulty reaching or is unable to reach. Its regular use as part of oral cleaning is intended to maintain oral health.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a surgical specialty focusing on reconstructive surgery of the face, facial trauma surgery, the mouth, head and neck, and jaws, as well as facial plastic surgery including cleft lip and cleft palate surgery.

Sonicare is the brand name of an electric toothbrush produced by Philips.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electric toothbrush</span> Oral hygiene instrument

An electric toothbrush, motorized toothbrush, or battery-powered toothbrush is a toothbrush that makes rapid automatic bristle motions, either back-and-forth oscillation or rotation-oscillation, in order to clean teeth. Motions at sonic speeds or below are made by a motor. In the case of ultrasonic toothbrushes, ultrasonic motions are produced by a piezoelectric crystal. A modern electric toothbrush is usually powered by a rechargeable battery charged through inductive charging when the brush sits in the charging base between uses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dental abrasion</span> Medical condition

Abrasion is the non-carious, mechanical wear of tooth from interaction with objects other than tooth-tooth contact. It most commonly affects the premolars and canines, usually along the cervical margins. Based on clinical surveys, studies have shown that abrasion is the most common but not the sole aetiological factor for development of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCL) and is most frequently caused by incorrect toothbrushing technique.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">McGill University Faculty of Dentistry</span>

The Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences is one of the constituent faculties of McGill University. It became established as a constituent of McGill University in 1904 as the McGill Dental School, a department in the McGill University Faculty of Medicine until becoming its own faculty in 1920. In 2022, the Faculty of Dentistry was renamed as the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences to reflect the diversity of research conducted in the Faculty that goes beyond the dental chair. The Faculty is closely affiliated with the Montreal General Hospital, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal Children's Hospital, and McGill University Faculty of Medicine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tooth brushing</span> Act of scrubbing teeth with a toothbrush

Tooth brushing is the act of scrubbing teeth with a toothbrush equipped with toothpaste. Interdental cleaning can be useful with tooth brushing, and together these two activities are the primary means of cleaning teeth, one of the main aspects of oral hygiene. The recommended amount of time for tooth brushing is two minutes each time for two times a day.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dental public health</span> Prevention of oral disease and promotion of oral health

Dental Public Health (DPH) is a para-clinical specialty of dentistry that deals with the prevention of oral disease and promotion of oral health. Dental public health is involved in the assessment of key dental health needs and coming up with effective solutions to improve the dental health of populations rather than individuals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oral hygiene</span> Cleaning the mouth by brushing the teeth and cleaning in between the teeth

Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping one's oral cavity clean and free of disease and other problems by regular brushing of the teeth and adopting good hygiene habits. It is important that oral hygiene be carried out on a regular basis to enable prevention of dental disease and bad breath. The most common types of dental disease are tooth decay and gum diseases, including gingivitis, and periodontitis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Columbia University College of Dental Medicine</span>

The Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, often abbreviated CDM, is one of the 21 graduate and professional schools of Columbia University. It is located at 630 West 168th Street in Manhattan, New York City. According to American Dental Education Association, CDM is one of the most selective dental schools in the United States based on average DAT score, GPA, and acceptance rate. In 2017, 1,657 people applied for 84 positions in its entering class. The median undergraduate GPA and average DAT score for successful applicants in 2020 were 3.62 and 22.8, respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International College of Dentists</span>

The International College of Dentists (ICD) is a global professional membership association for dentists. Conceived in 1920 and established in 1927, the organization seeks to 'honor outstanding professional achievement, meritorious service, and dedication to the continued progress of dentistry for the benefit of humankind'. With over 12,000 members in 140 countries, the ICD is divided into autonomous sections, largely based on countries or geographical regions. Membership, known as Fellowship, is extended by invitation only and inductees are awarded the title of Fellow of the International College of Dentists (FICD). The ICD is a non-profit organization that fundraises for and supports a wide range of humanitarian and educational projects aimed at improving oral health in underserved communities around the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">UNC Adams School of Dentistry</span> Dental school in North Carolina

The UNC Claude A. Adams Jr. and Grace Phillips Adams School of Dentistry is the school of dentistry of the University of North Carolina. It is located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States. It is currently ranked second among all dental schools in the U.S. and is consistently ranked among the best in the world according to two independent rankings. Founded in 1950 as the UNC School of Dentistry, it was the only dental school in North Carolina until 2011, when East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine became the second. In 2019, the school received its largest single donation of $27.68 million, resulting in a name change to honor Dr. Claude A. Adams Jr. and Grace Phillips Adams. Dr. Adams was a North Carolina dentist that practiced in Durham until his death in 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Hyson</span>

John Miller Hyson, Jr. was the former curator, director of curatorial services, and director of archives and history at the National Museum of Dentistry, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution located in Baltimore, Maryland. He was also the author of many articles and books on the history of dentistry and was a practicing dentist for nearly 50 years.

Gerald Peter Curatola, D.D.S., is a dentist, Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor at New York University, known for his contributions in cosmetic dentistry. He is a dental contributor to Fox News Channel, AOL Health, and Dr. Oz, and has appeared on the Martha Stewart Show, NBC's Your Total Health, and ABC networks. Curatola is the founder of Rejuvenation Dentistry, and the co-inventor and co-developer of REVITIN Oral Therapy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oral-B</span> American brand of oral hygiene products

Oral-B is an American brand of oral hygiene products, including toothpastes, toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes, and mouthwashes. The brand has been in business since the invention of the Hutson toothbrush in 1950 and in Redwood City, California.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Laurent Lamothe</span> Haitian politician

Laurent Salvador Lamothe is a Haitian businessman, technology entrepreneur, and political figure who has served in the government of Haiti as Foreign Minister beginning in October 2011, then as Prime Minister after appointment on 4 May 2012. On 14 December 2014, Lamothe resigned from his position as Prime Minister. Canada and the United States have imposed sanctions on him and accused him of corruption.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sunstar Group</span> Japanese global manufacturing company

Sunstar is a global conglomerate with origins in Japan going back to 1932. The corporation has two main wings, Consumer and Industrial. Its main Consumer business is the development, manufacturing and sale of oral care products globally marketed under the GUM brand. It also has a range of Health Food and Beauty products in Japan. It's Industrial wing accounts for around 40% of its revenue and produces Chemical formulations for industrial applications and motorcycle and automobile parts .Founded and built by the Kaneda family, Hiroo Kaneda, previously CEO, is on the Group Board. The Chair is Michel Pettigrew.

References

  1. ↑ Mrswanda (10 December 2015). "Non-Profit Highlight: Jean Paul Laurent "Unspoken Smile" - L'union Suite" . Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  2. 1 2 "Un Haïtien a obtenu un brevet pour une brosse à dents aux États-Unis | Loop Haiti". Loop News. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  3. ↑ "unspoken smiles". Studio Analogous. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  4. ↑ Rosenberg, Tina (11 September 2015). "For Students With a Mission, a Little Capital Goes a Long Way". Opinionator. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  5. ↑ "Unspoken Smiles: How I'm achieving my dream while helping others". Dentistry IQ. 21 April 2014. Retrieved 5 August 2024.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Bojarski, Sam (29 July 2020). "Jean Paul Laurent and the inspiration behind the smile". The Haitian Times. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  7. 1 2 3 "Unspoken Smiles Foundation's CEO Jean Paul Laurent named in MIPAD top 100 | International". Devdiscourse. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  8. ↑ "Jean Paul Laurent". Concordia. Retrieved 5 August 2024.
  9. ↑ "TEDxWaterStreet Rings the Nasdaq Stock Market Opening Bell". 3 May 2022. Retrieved 5 August 2024.
  10. ↑ TEDxWaterStreet. "TEDXWATERSTREET ANNOUNCES SPEAKER LINE-UP FOR REIMAGINE 2022". www.prnewswire.com. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  11. ↑ "dentlinQ: Dental Care Made Easy For Minorities". MIT SOLVE. Retrieved 5 August 2024.
  12. ↑ 20220240658,Laurent, Jean Paul,"Toothbrush with Replacement Toothbrush Heads Stored in Handle",issued 2022-08-04
  13. ↑ "More than 750 New Student Commitments to Action Announced at 10th Annual CGI University Meeting". 15 October 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2024.
  14. ↑ "Change the World With Us - Unspoken Smiles". Collabs.io Mag. 29 December 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
  15. ↑ "Saving Smiles Around the World". Columbia Magazine. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  16. ↑ "Where Are You In The Search For Higher Purpose?". HuffPost. 5 July 2017. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  17. ↑ "15 Nonprofit Founders Who Will Impact The World in 2019". Causeartist. 31 January 2019. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  18. ↑ "Interview with Immigrant and Philanthropist, Jean Paul Laurent". Truffld. 17 November 2020. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  19. ↑ "Gifting Smiles Lay's Chips by Jean Paul Laurent". 9 November 2020. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  20. ↑ Laurent, Jean Paul. "Council Post: How Nonprofit Leaders Can Embrace The Elements Of Responsible Leadership". Forbes. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  21. ↑ "The Clinton Global Initiative University Is Building a Global Community of Social Entrepreneurs". Causeartist. 15 July 2019. Retrieved 5 August 2024.
  22. ↑ "Here are the winners of the 2018 NYN 40 Under 40". NYN. 12 April 2018. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
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