Florida girl receives an orthodontic scholarship

Caitlin was one of many applicants to respond to the charity’s initial call for applications, and Patel announced that Caitlin would be the first recipient.

In October, Patel opened the Jacksonville chapter of Smile for a Lifetime, an international nonprofit organization that provides orthodontic care and free braces to underserved children with financial challenges and special orthodontic needs. She is determined to make the scholarships available to 10 to 12 kids per year.

Once the applications are sent in to Patel, she assembles her board of directors, who make the final decision, with Patel recusing herself from the selection process.

“Cailtin’s application was perfect,” said Patel. “Her family’s story is upbeat, but they clearly need the financial support. She is a great kid who has positive career ambition, does community service and gets good grades.”

Continued Patel, “Like most kids with less than a perfect smile, she lacks confidence and self esteem. She barely reveals her teeth when she talks, let alone smiles. I am excited to help her move past that phase of her life by working with S4L to give her the smile she and any kid should have.”

Said Caitlin, “I was so excited to be chosen. This opportunity will change my life by making me feel better about myself. The first thing people look at is your teeth, and I don’t want to go through my life having people saying, ‘she has crooked teeth.’ I am grateful to Dr. Patel and cannot wait to get started.”

Said Dr. Patel, “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.” She added, “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.

(Source: Smile for a Lifetime)