Smile Under the Stars: Building a Medical Home for L.A. YouthRifkin Raanan Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentistry
On the evening of December 11, 2025, at the Beverly Hilton, the conversation in the ballroom was not about aesthetic trends or the usual Hollywood circuit. Instead, the focus was on a fundamental gap in public health: the fact that over a quarter of children in Los Angeles live below the poverty line, often without access to even basic dental care. The inaugural “Smile Under the Stars” gala, presented by Rifkin Raanan, brought together philanthropists, medical leaders, and entertainers for a memorable night that served as the launchpad for a permanent solution to this systemic problem.
The event, hosted by Kelsey Grammer and featuring a soulful performance by Robin Thicke, raised funds to help transition the Giving a Smile Foundation from a series of outreach events into a year-round medical establishment. For the dentists behind the foundation, including co-founders Dr. Rodney Raanan and Dr. Justin Raanan, the goal has always been to ensure that access to dental services is never dictated by a zip code.
While the gala was a landmark celebration, the groundwork for this mission began nearly a decade ago. In a featured interview with Beverly Hills Weekly leading up to the event, Dr. Justin Raanan shared the personal history that drives the nonprofit organization. “My brother [Dr. Rodney Raanan] and I started this foundation around nine years ago. We came from a humble background, and we promised each other that when we actually made it, we were always going to give back.”
Their commitment to the community is built on the belief that oral health is an important part of overall wellness. The Foundation seeks to provide quality dental services to underserved youth that any private patient in California would receive. They work to ensure that families in Los Angeles have the tools they need to maintain a healthy smile from childhood through adulthood.
The energy of the inaugural gala was captured in an extensive editorial gallery by Getty Images. Master of Ceremonies Kelsey Grammer set a heartfelt tone for the night, emphasizing the important role of dental care during his red carpet interview.
Major news outlets provided a detailed look inside the ballroom. The Hollywood Times and Buzz Music reported on the evening's highlights. The night also recognized local leadership, with Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian receiving the Humanitarian Leadership Award for her work to improve the lives of those who live in the area.
The focus of the evening was on the Giving a Smile Foundation’s first permanent, no-cost clinic. This facility will provide a medical home for children and young adults who have historically lacked access to dental services. By establishing a fixed location, the foundation offers these patients a level of technology and restorative care that matches the standards of private practice.
A permanent site allows the exec team and doctors to track data and success over years. This model focuses on long-term oral health education to prevent tooth decay before it starts. It is an easy way for underprivileged children to learn how to care for their teeth and achieve a beautiful smile that can last a lifetime.
Access to care requires solving the problem of distance. During the gala, President Dr. Justin Raanan announced the launch of two fully equipped mobile dental units. These "clinics on wheels" travel directly into underserved neighborhoods across Los Angeles to serve those in need.
These mobile units remove the barriers of transportation for many families. By meeting children where they are, the foundation can find and treat issues early. Through partnerships and the help of those who have volunteered their time, these units will be able to create a massive impact on the community.
The Giving a Smile movement relies on the generosity of the community to provide quality dental services to every child. When you donate, your contribution goes directly toward free dental care and the tools needed to impact a young person’s life.
As the permanent clinic opens and the mobile units begin their rounds, the Giving a Smile Foundation continues to build a lasting infrastructure of care. Every child deserves a healthy smile and the dignity that comes with it.
For more information or to see how you can help, please visit our website or call us at (310) 205-5300. Together, we can make a difference.
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