Dr. Shreena Patel launches a Smile for a Lifetime chapter

Patel officially launched the Smile for a Lifetime (S4L) chapter on Oct. 17 at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining by introducing the foundation at her annual Practice Party. Also in attendance were a number of Jacksonville dentists, who will be a referral source for S4L patients to her practice.

S4L was founded in 2008 by Dr. Benjamin Burris, in an effort to link children and teens of low-income families with pro-bono orthodontic scholarships. The foundation has treated more than 1,000 children who could not afford braces, and it has grown to an international nonprofit organization that currently serves more than 137 chapters. Local orthodontists from S4L chapters in the communities they serve are committed to treating at least children/adolescents annually. Local dentists and community service organizations are encouraged to nominate members ages 11-18 who would benefit from the S4L program by visiting www.s4l.org.

“This is why I am an orthodontist — because I truly believe that what we do not only provides for improved dental health, function and esthetics, but also builds self-esteem, confidence and because of this, I can provide our patients with a better life,” Patel said. “Thanks to Smile for a Lifetime and Ormco, and as our organization grows and we attract donors, we can provide many kids with orthodontic care who traditionally couldn’t consider it. I want to change lives, and S4L gives me that platform.”

A Jacksonville native, Patel currently resides in Jacksonville Beach. She is a graduate of The Bolles School and the University of Florida, where she received her BS in Nutritional Sciences, DMD and her Masters of Science in Orthodontics. She has been practicing orthodontics in the market since 2008. She bought Dr. David Carden’s practice in August 2011.

The Jacksonville Chapter of Smile for a Lifetime Board of Directors includes Dr. Ross Fishman and Dr. David D. Woods.

“Finances should never stop a child from achieving the dream of a straight smile and S4L is committed to touching the lives of our youth by awarding thousands of orthodontic scholarships to deserving kids,” said S4L National Board President Dr. Ronald Redmond.

S4L scholarships are funded through local orthodontists and primary sponsor Ormco Corp., a manufacturer and provider of advanced orthodontic technology and services. Ormco provides the orthodontist with the braces used for treating each S4L scholarship recipient.

Said Patel, “My goal is to truly be involved with the fabric of this community. Our patients are the people who make this community happen — children and adults — and we want to be deeply involved with the things that are important to them. It is an honor to be part of S4L and I am excited to make this Foundation to part of the community.”

(Source: Smile for a Lifetime)