One of the most rewarding things about being a part of the dental community are the opportunities that we have to help others in a profound way. One of the programs that our office is proud to be a part of is the Give Back a Smile program.

Give Back a Smile is a program sponsored by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry^® (AACD) for victims of domestic violence. Millions of peoples lives are affected by the scars left by domestic violence. These courageous survivors deserve the help from a program like Give Back A Smile that enables them to rejuvenate their lives through the caring hands of a local dentist.

These local volunteers help to heal the effects of domestic violence by providing free consultation and dental treatment to restore the smiles of survivors of domestic violence.

How the program works

• Domestic violence survivors who have suffered dental injuries from abuse from a former intimate partner or spouse can contact GBAS toll-free at: 800.773.GBAS (4227)

• Survivors must make an appointment with a counselor, domestic violence advocate, social worker or therapist to complete the advocate section of the GBAS application.

• GBAS conducts the initial review of the application however the dentist has the final say as to the eligibility of the applicant.

• If eligible, the AACD connects the survivor with a local GBAS volunteer who provides treatment at no charge to the recipient.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. If you know someone who is a survivor of domestic violence who can benefit from this program please urge them to contact GBAS.

Through the Give Back A Smile program our office has been thrilled to assist survivors by treating their dental injuries that were sustained from domestic violence, so that they may reclaim their smiles, their self-esteem and, ultimately, their lives.