Care For Those Who Need It
Smile for A Lifetime Foundation is a charitable non-profit organization that provides orthodontic care to individuals who may not have the opportunity to acquire assistance. It is our mission to create self-confidence, inspire hope, and change the lives of children in a dramatic way.
Improved Self-Esteem
Many children hide their smiles in order to avoid bullying, while others may experience health problems due to orthodontic issues. Smile for A Lifetime patients have benefitted from improved self-esteem and emotional well-being, and in some cases, prevention of health problems including tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Who Qualifies?
Smile for a Lifetime (S4L) is an international program that provides orthodontic scholarships to children ages 11-18 who normally would not be able to afford treatment. S4L will not charge a fee for the orthodontic treatment – participating orthodontists donate their services, including the cost of one set of retainers once treatment is complete. There is a $20, non-refundable application fee and, if you are approved for treatment, a $480 administrative fee, paid to the national office. All applications need to be completed online. Click on “Apply Today” and submit your application. Once your application is received and all needed material is submitted, the S4L national office will contact you within 30 days.
Scholarships are chosen by a local screening committee and the process is competitive. Scholarships are limited and based on financial need, orthodontic need, and a complete and accurate application. Successful applicants will be between the ages of 11 and 18 and have:
- Family income of no more than (200%) of the federal poverty level
- Good dental hygiene practices and must have received a dental check-up in the past 6 months
- A functional and/or aesthetic need for braces
- Enrollment in good standing in school
- A positive attitude
- Willingness to abide by the treatment plan set forth by the orthodontist
- A positive letter of recommendation from one community leader and/or teacher
For more information please contact the Smile for a Lifetime national office at 719-535-2777 or Shannon at OASECT at 860-443-1827 x211.
Pay It Forward
The doctors at Orthodontic Associates founded their chapter of Smile for a Lifetime as a way to give back to the community and invest in the future of underserved children. To broaden the reach of this non-profit organization, scholarship recipients are now asked to perform community service as part of the program’s Pay It Forward Clause. Volunteer work may be done at any number of local charities or non-profit groups. A list will be provided for the recipient to choose from.
Helping Hands
A special and sincere thank you to Dr. Ross Sanfilippo, Dr. Robert Carnevale, and Dr. Christopher Trailor, who have continued to provide additional dental services, including extractions and periodontal grafting, to our Smile for a Lifetime patients at no charge.
Advisory Committee
Dr. John Kozlowski, Dr. Garrett Brennan, Hinda Kimmel, Dr. Steven Ureles, Brian McNamara, Dr. Barbara Kelly Hack, and Dr. Ross Sanfilippo.
