✽ Since 1990
It All Started in a School in Garachico
In 1990, Dr. Claudia Rodríguez Maradei signed her first partnership agreement with the Garachico Town Council to launch the municipality’s first oral health campaign. Conducted entirely on a voluntary basis at Antonio del Valle Menéndez Primary School, the initiative focused on third-grade students and became the first program of its kind in Tenerife.
The project received First Prize in the Master's Program in Primary Care, Oral Health, and Healthcare Services Management at the University of the Basque Country — an academic distinction that validated its innovative approach from the very beginning.
Since then, the Canary Islands Dental Foundation has continued to grow. Today, we operate across five municipalities in Tenerife through active public partnerships, two dental clinics, and three social impact programs.
✽ Our Inspiration
Inspired by a Global Leader in Social Dentistry
The first person to recognize the potential of this initiative was Dr. Noemí Bordoni, one of Latin America’s leading experts in preventive and community dentistry.
She encouraged and guided the transformation of the project into a foundation dedicated to social impact. Her philosophy remains at the heart of everything FUNDOCAN does:
"Health is a human right, not a service."
✽ Scientific Innovation
A Scientific Breakthrough Endorsed by ONCE and the Canary Islands University Hospital
The classroom-based research led to the creation of the P.L.D. Method (Lingual Plaque Detection Method), developed by Dr. Claudia Rodríguez Maradei. This innovative technique teaches patients to identify dental plaque using their tongue as a sensory guide, without relying on vision.
The Spanish National Organization of the Blind (ONCE) actively collaborated in the study by providing visually impaired participants. The research was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Canary Islands University Hospital. Results demonstrated that blind participants achieved the same level of oral hygiene skills as sighted individuals.
Fabiola Socas, singer, cultural ambassador of the Canary Islands, and trustee of FUNDOCAN.
✽ FUNDOCAN Trustee
Fabiola Socas, Trustee of FUNDOCAN
Among the participants in the P.L.D. study was Fabiola Socas, renowned singer and ambassador of Canary Islands folk culture. She experienced the method firsthand as a patient, creating a lasting connection with the foundation.
Today, she serves on our Board of Trustees — not as a symbolic figure, but as someone who has witnessed our mission from the very beginning and deeply believes in its impact.
✽ Our Founder
Dr. Claudia Rodríguez Maradei
Founder of FUNDOCAN and creator of the P.L.D. Method. In December 2021, she received a distinguished career recognition from the Consulate of the Argentine Republic in the Canary Islands, presented by Ambassador Luis María Sobrón.
"Health is a human right, not a service."
✽ What Guides Us
Our commitment to health in the Canary Islands
The principles that have guided our work for more than 35 years.
Mission
To make a meaningful impact on oral health in the Canary Islands through education and prevention, developing evidence-based strategies to prevent avoidable oral diseases and reduce their impact.
Vision
To be a recognized organization in the Canary Islands for our commitment to individuals and communities, strengthening oral health among those who need it most.
Values
Health as a human condition · Respect for life and dignity · Ethics and professional excellence · Social commitment · Service vocation · Innovation and creativity
FUNDOCAN in Numbers
More than three decades of continuous work in Tenerife support our role as a benchmark in social dentistry in the Canary Islands.
1990
Year founded in Garachico, Tenerifee
5
Municipalities with active agreements in Tenerife
2
Fully Operated Dental Clinics in Tenerife
1.º
Master’s Award in Primary Care — University of the Basque Country
✽ Our Journey
35 Years of Impact
The milestones that have shaped the Canary Islands Dental Foundation.
The First Public Partnership
First agreement signed with the Garachico Town Council. Launch of Tenerife’s first community oral health campaign at Antonio del Valle Menéndez Primary School.
Award from the University of the Basque Country
First Prize in the Master's Program in Primary Care, Oral Health, and Healthcare Services Management, recognizing the pioneering nature of the project.
Creation of the P.L.D. Method
Development and ethical approval of the Lingual Plaque Detection Method, with support from ONCE and the Canary Islands University Hospital Ethics Committee.
Partnerships with Five Municipalities
Garachico, Buenavista del Norte, Los Silos, Icod de los Vinos, and El Tanque joined FUNDOCAN’s oral health initiative, extending its reach across northern Tenerife.
Recognition from the Argentine Consulate
The Consulate of Argentina in the Canary Islands honored Dr. Claudia Rodríguez Maradei for her professional achievements. The award was presented by Ambassador Luis María Sobrón.
First Grant from Fundación "la Caixa"
FUNDOCAN secured its first grant from Fundación "la Caixa", supporting summer campaigns, holiday initiatives, and oral healthcare programs for vulnerable youth.
Two Dental Clinics Serving Tenerife
Clinics located in Garachico and San Isidro provide comprehensive dental care while helping fund and sustain FUNDOCAN’s social programs.
✽ How We Sustain Our Mission
A Self-Sustaining Foundation Built for Long-Term Impact
FUNDOCAN combines three complementary sources of activity, providing the stability, independence, and resources needed to expand its social impact.
Funded Social Programs
Community health initiatives supported through grants and partnership agreements with municipalities and organizations such as Fundación "la Caixa", with defined budgets and objectives.
Institutional Partnerships
Strategic collaborations with public and private organizations that expand the foundation’s reach and social impact throughout the Canary Islands.
Private Dental Services
Our two dental clinics provide high-quality care to private patients at market rates. This revenue helps sustain our professional team and finance our community programs.
✽ 35 Years in Pictures
Campaign Gallery
Highlights from our school-based oral health campaigns, Fundación "la Caixa" community projects, and social initiatives throughout Tenerife.
Do You Want to Become a FUNDOCAN Patient?
We welcome patients at our dental clinics in Garachico and San Isidro. Call us or contact us online to schedule your appointment.