Sonja Lauren is the author of The Covered Smile and a captivating speaker who shares her true story of childhood abuse, neglect, recovery, forgiveness and triumph. Ms. Lauren began wearing dentures at the tender age of thirteen years old- due to severe dental neglect. Ms. Lauren currently has only 20% of her chewing ability and has endured many painful oral surgeries throughout her life. Her lectures are a personal testimony of the importance of good oral health and the relationship between this and living a healthy life.

Since the release of The Covered Smile in 2003, Ms. Lauren has become a volunteer for Mission of Mercy and has taken part in many efforts to help overhaul oral health. Ms. Lauren lives in Richmond VA and is currently involved in helping her home state of WV, and many other states change oral health views and increase dental availability. Ms. Lauren and her daughter Angel- who is a Dental Assistant both enjoy and are active volunteers with Virginia’s Mission of Mercy.