A big, brilliantly white smile can go a long way. You know, the kind that gets the light reflection and the little Hollywood ping. What’s even better is knowing that getting that smile will also help others have something to smile about.
Pacific Coast Smiles in Santa Maria will be taking part in the upcoming Give Back a Smile Program fundraiser, raising money for the program created by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation. The program has provided no-cost cosmetic dental care through academy-member dentists, dental laboratories, and other dental professionals for victims of domestic violence. The program is a small but powerful step on the road to recovery.
“Because more than five million people are affected by domestic violence every year in the United States, there is clearly a need for a program like GBAS to help survivors rejuvenate their lives through the caring hands of a local dentist,” David F. Ouellet, D.D.S., said in a release.
The program began in 1999. Since then, dental professionals have donated their time and efforts to a cause that has repaired dental damage for more than 1,100 victims of domestic violence.
Pacific Coast Smiles, Ouellet’s practice, will be participating in the program’s fundraising aspect by providing discounted teeth whitenings with 100 percent of the profits going into the GBAS fund. Normally, the practice provides teeth whitening for $220 for either upper or lower teeth. For the fundraiser, whitening both upper and lower teeth will cost a total of $125. Since every dollar in donations GBAS may be stretched into $16 worth of dental services, a $125 donation basically amounts to a donation of $2,000.
“It’s just a continuation of little things we’ve done over the years,” Ouellet said.
Pacific Coast Smiles is planning to block off two days where whitening is all they do. Anyone wanting to contribute to the GBAS fund must call Pacific Coast Smiles to make an appointment.
“The GBAS whitening fundraiser is a collaborative way for dentists and their team members and patients to make a difference in the lives of survivors of domestic violence,” Ouellet said in the press release.
This will be the first time Pacific Coast Smiles will be participating in the program
The whitening kits are donated to the dentists by Discus Dental. Since this is a fundraiser, patients won’t be able to bill their insurance. All payments must be made directly to GBAS.
Spaces are limited, so call 925-8767 to reserve your spot to shine.
Intern Michael McCone compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at intern@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Nov 3-9, 2011.
