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.
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Since the program’s 1999 inception, more than 2,000 people have had their smiles restored through the Give Back a Smile program.,
ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES
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All persons age 18 and above who have received dental injuries to the smile-zone from:
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Former intimate partner or spouse (husband, wife, domestic partner, boyfriend, or girlfriend)
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Family member
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Sexual violence (such as sexual assault, rape, and/or human trafficking)
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The applicant must be away from all abusive relationships/situations for at least 1 year. GBAS may make exceptions to the one-year requirements if the abuser is deceased or in jail/prison.
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If hurt by an intimate partner or spouse: you need to be out of all abusive relationships for a minimum of one year.
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If hurt by a family member: you need to have lived in a separate home from that person for a minimum of one year.
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If hurt because of sexual assault: it needs to have happened at least one year ago​.
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​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).
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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.
To apply for the GBAS program, you must include the following:
​1. Application Fee OR Community Service
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Include a $20.00 application fee. This is nonrefundable.
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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.
2. Support Verification​​ ​​All applicants are required to meet with a domestic violence/sexual assault advocate, case manager, counselor, therapist, or doctor with experience in working with survivors of domestic violence/sexual assault, at least once. Your advocate's information will be entered under the 'Support Verification' section in the application. Please make sure you have their updated contact information ready when you apply.
Applicants are more successful when they complete the application with a qualified advocate. If you do not have an advocate, we recommend using this database of advocacy organizations to find one in your area to help you complete the application.
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You can download a sample of the application HERE, however only applications submitted online will be considered. Once you are ready to apply, you can access the online application by clicking the 'Apply Now' button below!
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APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
OTHER RESOURCES
Domestic Violence Organizations
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
To request printed literature for a domestic violence and/or sexual assault agency, please email us.