ABOUT GIVE BACK A SMILE

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) Charitable Foundation’s Give Back a Smile (GBAS) program connects adult survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence who’ve received dental injuries from the abuse with volunteer cosmetic dentists who donate their time and services to restore their smiles. Dental services are available throughout the United States.

Since the program’s 1999 inception, more than 1,800 people have had their smiles restored through the Give Back a Smile program.

ELIGIBILITY

All persons age 18 and above who have received dental injuries to the smile-zone from:
- Former intimate partner or spouse (husband, wife, domestic partner, boyfriend, or girlfriend)
- Family member
- Sexual violence (sexual assault and/or rape)
- Human trafficking (may be considered)

The incident causing the dental injuries generally must have occurred at least one year ago. GBAS may make exceptions to the one-year requirements if the abuser is deceased or in jail/prison.
- If hurt by an intimate partner or spouse: you need to be out of all abusive relationships for a minimum of one year.
- If hurt by a family member: you need to have lived in a separate home from that person for a minimum of one year.
- If hurt because of sexual assault: it needs to have happened at least one year ago.

The program does not help with dental neglect (such as cavities), gum disease, jaw injuries, or orthodontic treatment (braces, shifted teeth, and/or spaces between teeth).

The program does not replace or fix previous dental work done by any dentist including GBAS volunteers. In other words, dental work that does not fit, looks bad, no longer works, an implant that was started but not completed.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

To apply for the GBAS program, you must do one of the following:
- Include a $20.00 application fee. This is nonrefundable. If you're mailing in your application, the fee must be paid by money order only, to the GBAS program.
  -OR-
- Complete 10 hours of community service (volunteer work) before sending in your application. The community service must have been performed within 12 months of the date of your application. You can volunteer for the charity of your choice (such as a shelter, food pantry, or nursing home), and the volunteer verification form must be completed.

HOW TO APPLY

You have two options to apply:
- Apply online here.
- Click here to download the Give Back a Smile application (PDF) or call 800.773.4227 to request an application be mailed to you.
  - If mailing in your paper application, send your completed application to the Give Back a Smile office by:
    - Mailing to Give Back a Smile, 200 River Place, Ste 150, Monona, WI 53716;
    - Faxing to 888.488.688 (Please do not fax application if including a money order.)

Give Back a Smile reviews applications first. Once we receive and review your application, you will be sent a letter letting you know if you initially qualify. By filling out an application, you are not guaranteed dental services.
If you initially qualify and there is an available volunteer dentist within 200 miles of your location, you will be referred to a volunteer dentist who makes the final decision of your eligibility. It’s your responsibility to call and schedule your consultation appointment with the volunteer dentist.

Other things to keep in mind:

The program does not guarantee implants or patient-requested dental work.
This is a volunteer program and the dentist decides what kinds of dental work fits within the guidelines. You are not accepted into the program until the dentist sees you for a consultation.
Not showing up for appointments, or last-minute cancellations can result in disqualification from the program.

Apply Online for Services

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Amy

It was one of the most exciting experiences that I’ve ever had. I know people care now. They are angels. I got my confidence back. I’m able to smile again.

Cynthia

Now, I wake up everyday with a renewed sense of strength and purpose. Then a Smile spreads across my face that is so bright I feel like it could light up the whole world.

Lisa

It didn't just give me back my smile. It gave me back my life. It gave me the courage to go back out there and the self-esteem I needed to go back to work, take care of my daughter, and just live again.