Cosmetic Dentistry

Southern California including Los Angeles, Santa Clarita, Beverly Hills, Valencia and Hollywood, California

GBAS Letter to the Editor

Dear Reader:

Every year more than 5 million people become victims of domestic violence in the United States alone. Of those abused, seventy-five percent receive battering to the head and face area. Once a victim makes the transition into survivor internally, they often need financial help to heal on the outside.

Helping people in need and giving back to the community is why the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) developed its Charitable Foundation's Give Back A Smile (GBAS) program in 1999. GBAS helps restore the smiles and lives of domestic abuse survivors at no cost. One GBAS patient recalls visiting her daughter after her smile was restored, "At the end of the weekend she (daughter) said she had not seen me smile or laugh so much in her whole life."

To date, the GBAS program has more than 900 AACD volunteer dentists, dental laboratories and other dental professionals donating their time and expertise to the program. Over 500 survivors of domestic violence have had their smiles -and their lives - restored thanks to GBAS for a total dollar value of more than $4 million. Currently, over 300 survivors are being treated throughout the United States.

Domestic violence survivors who have suffered dental injuries from abuse can call the Give Back A Smile national toll-free number, (800) 773-GBAS (4227) or visit www.givebackasmile.com.

If you are a survivor of domestic violence, Give Back A Smile may be able to help. If you are a dental professional - we need your help. Please contact us today.

Sincerely,

Dr. Dell Ariel Goodrick
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Member
Give Back A Smile Volunteer