The Smiles for Life campaign has launched its 29th annual initiative, providing patients with an opportunity to whiten or straighten their teeth while supporting children's charities. Since its inception in 1998, the campaign has raised more than $51 million, making it dentistry's most successful charity, according to the Crown Council, the group of leading dentists that oversees the program.
Between March 1 and June 30, patients can schedule teeth whitening treatments at participating Crown Council dentists across the United States. For each treatment, the dentist donates their time and expertise, while Ultradent Products, Inc., the maker of Opalescence tooth whitening systems, donates 100 percent of the whitening materials. This arrangement ensures that the entire cost of the treatment goes to the Smiles for Life Foundation. Half of the proceeds support seriously ill, disabled, and underprivileged children worldwide through Smiles for Life, and the other half stays in the local community, as each dentist selects a beneficiary charity of their choice.
For patients seeking straighter smiles, the campaign partners with Tréz clear aligners, with a portion of each treatment cost donated to the foundation. Greg Anderson, director of the Crown Council, stated, 'We are proud to offer this unique opportunity to do good simply by having teeth whitened or straightened. The Crown Council is grateful to our dentists, patients and corporate sponsors, who together have made the Smiles for Life Campaign a tremendous success. Through supporting local and global charities, we have increased access to dental care and improved health and wellness around the world.'
Since its start, Smiles for Life dentists have supported more than 600 local children's charities. The foundation also funds national and international oral health programs for economically disadvantaged children in countries including the Dominican Republic, Nepal, Bolivia, and Guatemala. Additionally, Smiles for Life maintains a partnership with the Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation, which supports Child Life Zones in children's hospitals across the United States.
For more information, visit Smiles for Life or find a participating dentist at the Crown Council dentist locator. The Crown Council is an alliance of dentists committed to excellence in practice and community service, and since 1998, the Smiles for Life Foundation has provided opportunities for dentists to donate their time and talent to those in need.
