Dental News - US dental organisation helps victims of domestic violence

Daniel Zimmermann, DTI

Mon. 9 November 2009

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HONG KONG/LEIPZIG, Germany: The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation (AACDCF) has announced that over 800 survivors of domestic violence have received free cosmetic dental care through the organisation’s Give Back A Smile programme. The results were released during this year's Health Care About Domestic Violence Day which takes place annually on the second Wednesday of October.

According to the US National Coalition of Domestic Violence, more than five million people in the United States are affected by domestic violence each year. Almost 75 per cent of battering occurs to the head and face which means the dental office is in an extremely influential position to intervene and help stop the violence.

The AACDCF Give A Smile Back programme was founded in 2006 to restore the lives of domestic abuse survivors by providing dental care at no cost. Currently, there are 400 applicants being treated throughout the United States. In addition, the organisation is supporting dental professionals who are interested in learning from experts how to approach difficult situations in the dental practice when domestic violence is suspected.

"After suffering abuse, it is difficult for survivors to find something to smile about, and even more difficult when they don't have a smile to show. AACDCF volunteers assist survivors of domestic violence by treating their dental injuries, restoring their smiles, self-esteem, and ultimately, their lives," AACD Foundation Program Manager Lisa Fitch said.

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