“Give Back A Smile” Program Restores Dental Health of Violence Survivors

By MC Kelby HERWriter

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As the national economy entered its deepest recession in almost 100 years, many across the country felt increased stress which resulted in a sharp rise in domestic violence.

According to the National Coalition of Domestic Violence, 75 percent of battering occurs to the head and face. Every year, more than five million people are affected by domestic violence in the United States and Canada.

A program called Give Back a Smile (GBAS), founded by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), uses volunteer cosmetic dentists to restore the damaged teeth of domestic violence survivors at no cost.

Founded in 1999, the program matches domestic violence survivors with dentists and laboratories who volunteer their services. The program helps survivors rejuvenate their lives through the caring hands of a local dentist.

Volunteer dentists and laboratory technicians agree to restore the broken and damaged teeth of survivors of intimate partner violence. Give Back a Smile dentists erase the memories of abuse by restoring the smiles at no cost to the survivor thereby restoring their dental and oral health.

Domestic violence survivors are carefully screened and a counselor or social worker must confirm that the injuries were caused by domestic violence. The screening may be done through checking police reports or restraining orders.

Who is eligible?
• Adult women and men who received injuries from a former intimate partner or spouse.
• A survivor whose injuries are to the smile-zone.
• The program does not replace work that has been already repaired through previous enrollment in the GBAS program or by the survivor’s own dentist.
• Individuals that have been out of the abusive relationship for over one year.
• Applications will be accepted prior to the one-year mark but will be placed on a waiting list until the requirement has been met.
• Applicants are responsible for updating the GBAS program with all contact Information.
• All applicants must have at least one interview to connect them with local resources, to confirm that the injuries were caused by domestic violence, and that the applicant has been out of the abusive relationship for at least one year. A signature from the counselor, advocate, social worker, or case manager must be provided on the application for acceptance into the program.
• A survivor whose smile is compromised due to domestic violence, and not due to previous neglect. The dentist makes the final determination of this aspect.

How Does it Work?
• Potential applicants call (800) 543-9220 to receive an application for the GBAS program. Leave their name, mailing address and telephone number including area code and an application will be sent to them through the mail.
• Or download an application copy from www.givebackasmile.com
• The AACD will contact a participating dentist in the applicant’s area to ask if he/she will accept the case.
• If accepted, the AACD will contact the applicant with the referral.
• It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact the dentist for an appointment.
• The volunteering dentist makes the final determination of eligibility for the program.
• Not showing up for appointments or last minute cancellations may result in disqualification.

For complete details about the Give Back a Smile program, visit www.givebackasmile.com or call toll-free 800.543.9220. Those interested in finding help with the Give Back A Smile program can also visit the Web site, call the National Hotline: 800.773.GBAS, or send an e-mail to [email protected].

Also, if you are a dentist or a laboratory interested in volunteering, contact the AACD at 800.543.9220, 608.222.8583, or [email protected].

Sources:
http://www.aacd.com
www.givebackasmile.com
Anastasia L. Turchetta RDH, www.AnastasiaRDH.com, http://twitter.com/AnastasiaRDH

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MC Ortega is the former publicist for the late Walter Payton and Coca-Cola. Ortega is a senior communications and messaging executive specializing in media relations, social media, program development and crisis communications. Also, Ortega is an avid traveler and international shopper. Ortega resides with her partner, Craig, dog, Fionne and extensive shoe collection. Ortega also enjoys jewelry design/production and flamenco dancing.

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