Dental News - Smiles Change Lives connects orthodontists with children in need

Vocus/PRWEB

Mon. 14 February 2011

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KANSAS CITY, MO: “I love to smile now. It’s just automatic,” exudes Carrie, a recent Smiles Change Lives program alumna. Now a beaming 16-year-old with aspirations of college, sports and a nursing career, Carrie attributes her confidence and positive outlook to a dental transformation that began three years ago.

“I used to shy away from cameras and didn’t smile or raise my hand in class. I really hated showing my crooked teeth, but my family couldn’t afford braces,” she admits. Carrie’s school counselor noticed she was struggling in school and was developing issues with her self-esteem so she recommended Smiles Change Lives to Carrie’s family.

“It was almost too good to be true. Finally, we found a program that helps working families trying to make ends meet,” shares Shelby, Carrie’s mother. “We applied to the program, found out that Carrie met the Smiles Change Lives guidelines, and got Carrie assigned to a wonderful orthodontist near us for a very reasonable price.”

With more than 900 immediate openings nationwide, SCL is a national nonprofit organization that connects caring orthodontists with children in need. With nearly 400 orthodontic providers, and more joining each day, SCL is seeking applicants who meet the following criteria:

Ages 11-18 with good oral hygiene.
With family income at or below 200 percent of federal poverty level.
With crooked teeth and/or misaligned jaws.

“We’re not a family that takes handouts, and we’re thankful that we still have our jobs. But with pay-cuts and several kids in the house, we couldn’t afford braces for Carrie. Smiles Change Lives was the miracle we needed to help Carrie find her true smile,” adds Carrie’s mother.

When asked how she will celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, Carrie remarks, “Well, I’ve got a date to the Sweetheart Dance for the first time. I can’t wait to pose for the pictures and show off my perfect teeth!”

Dentists, counselors, nurses and teachers are encouraged to nominate a child for this program. Interested families may view program guidelines and download an application at www.smileschangelives.org/apply or by calling (816) 421-4949. Smiles Change Lives serves families at varying income levels. For more information on financial qualifications, please visit www.smileschangelives.org/qualify.

(Edited by Fred Michmershuizen, DTA)

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