Nonprofit Orthodontic Program Expands Program and Spreads Smiles
 
(Long Island, N.Y.) Smiles Change Lives (SCL) is looking for low-income kids nationwide who need orthodontic treatment to create happy, healthy smiles. As Shelby’s mother explains, “I want her to not be afraid to smile. When she smiles her entire face lights up; I would like people to see that instead of her hand in front of her mouth.” Maybe you’ve seen such a child, shielding her smile with her hand.
 
SCL is searching for these youth to improve their smiles, oral health and self-esteem. Across the country, SCL has hundreds of partner orthodontists who provide treatment to youth with severely crooked teeth and/or misaligned jaws. In the United States, there are 43 million youth who need, but whose families can’t afford, life-changing braces.
 
For youth who need braces, just smiling or speaking in public can induce terrible embarrassment. Such children eventually are at risk of being perceived as less intelligent or capable, and these misperceptions can haunt them. Studies illustrate evidence that less attractive employees typically will earn 10-15% less than those perceived as more attractive (Mobius and Rosenblat, Why Beauty Matters, 2006).
 
SCL is seeking applicants who meet the following criteria:

• Ages 11-18 with documented good oral hygiene
• Have moderately to severely crooked teeth and/or misaligned jaws
• Family income is 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines or below; http://www.smileschangelives.org/qualify

If you or a family you know is interested in applying, please visit www.smileschangelives.org/apply.
 
Dr. Frank Egan, one of our partner orthodontists who practices in Long Island, NY, is a strong supporter of SCL’s program. “If we can just connect with the kids who need braces but can’t afford to have them,” says Egan, “then we’ll be able give them a running start for the future.”