Smile for a Lifetime Orthodontic Scholarship
At OASECT, we believe every child deserves a happy, healthy smile. Through our partnership with the Smile for a Lifetime (S4L) Foundation, we proudly provide orthodontic care to children in Waterford, Norwich, and surrounding Southeast Connecticut communities who may not otherwise have access to treatment. This life-changing program helps remove financial barriers, giving deserving young patients the opportunity to smile with confidence.
About the Smile for a Lifetime Program
Founded in 2008, Smile for a Lifetime is a national nonprofit organization that provides orthodontic scholarships to children ages 11-18 who normally would not be able to afford treatment. Through this program, qualified patients receive life-changing orthodontic services at little to no cost. As a participating provider, OASECT donates orthodontic treatment to selected patients in the Southeast Connecticut community, helping ensure every child has access to the care they deserve.
How Our Mission Aligns With Smile for a Lifetime
Our mission is to change lives by changing smiles, and the Smile for a Lifetime program allows us to extend that impact even further within our community. By providing orthodontic care to children in need, we’re able to support confidence, health, and opportunity for families across Southeastern Connecticut. It’s one of the many ways we strive to be a positive, lasting presence in the lives of our patients.
Children’s Orthodontics That Pays It Forward
The doctors at OASECT 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 also 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, and a list is provided for the recipient to choose from.
Who Qualifies for the Smile for a Lifetime Scholarship?
Orthodontic treatment through the S4L program is provided at no cost, as participating orthodontists generously donate their time and services, including one set of retainers after treatment is complete.
There is a $20 non-refundable application fee, and if accepted into the program, a $480 administrative fee is paid directly to the S4L national office.
All applications must be completed online. Once your application and all required materials are submitted, the national office will review your information and respond within approximately 30 days.
Candidates must be between the ages of 11 and 18 and meet the following criteria:
- Family income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level
- Good oral hygiene and a dental check-up within the past 6 months
- A clear functional and/or aesthetic need for orthodontic treatment
- Currently enrolled and in good standing at school
- A positive attitude and commitment to treatment
- Willingness to follow the orthodontist’s treatment plan
- A letter of recommendation from a teacher or community leader
For more information, please contact the Smile for a Lifetime national office at 719-535-2777 or reach out to Shannon at OASECT at 860-443-1827 ext. 211.
Guidelines for Applying to the S4L Scholarship
To give your application the best chance of success, be sure to complete all required sections accurately and submit all necessary materials.
Your application should include:
- A fully completed online application
- Proof of recent dental care (within the past 6 months)
- A letter of recommendation from a teacher or community leader
- Accurate financial information to demonstrate eligibility
- Any additional documentation requested during the application process
Since scholarships are limited and the selection process is competitive, we encourage families to apply early and carefully review all requirements before submitting. A complete, thoughtful application helps the review committee better understand each applicant’s needs, character, and commitment to treatment.
Apply Today for the Smile for a Lifetime Orthodontic Scholarship
If your child could benefit from orthodontic care but financial concerns are holding you back, the Smile for a Lifetime program may be the perfect solution. Apply today and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.
Real S4L Scholarship Patients
Through the Smile for a Lifetime program, we’ve had the honor of helping incredible kids in our community begin their journey toward confident, healthy smiles. Each of the smiles below represents a story of confidence, opportunity, and a brighter future, reminding us why we love what we do!
Chris R.
Armani V.
Arleny L.
Mykell B.
Jenea D.
Ricky T.
