Rafina O’Brien, a 38-year-old dental hygienist from Somerset, is preparing to dazzle at the upcoming Miss Great Britain Final. More than just a beauty contender, Rafina is campaigning to raise awareness about women’s oral health through her project, ‘When She Smiles.’
Women’s oral health often takes a back seat despite being deeply affected by hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Rafina’s mission is to empower women to take control of their dental wellbeing, emphasizing that oral health is intrinsically linked to confidence, dignity, and overall wellness.
In partnership with charity Dentaid, Rafina has actively volunteered at clinics offering free treatments, conducted educational sessions in schools and community groups, and taken on the challenge of running three ultra-marathons within three months to raise funds for the cause.
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“I’ve faced many challenges in life and understand how vital support is,” Rafina explains. “I want to be a source of help, education, and encouragement for others. This platform will enable me to raise awareness, give back, and proudly represent the wonderful community of Somerset on the national stage.”
Rafina’s impressive career highlights include breaking new ground as the first dental hygienist to serve aboard the Royal Navy’s HMS Queen Elizabeth in 2021 — an experience she describes as an honor.
The Miss Great Britain Final will be held on Friday, October 18, in Leicester, with tickets available from August. Founded in 1945, this long-standing pageant now champions not only beauty but also charitable initiatives, advocacy, and diversity, welcoming women of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life.
Rafina is also keen to continue her outreach by offering free oral health sessions to schools, community centers, and women’s organizations. Interested groups can contact her at [email protected].
Follow Rafina on Instagram @whenshesmiles.care to stay updated on her campaign and support her fundraising efforts for Cancer Research.