The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation's Give Back a Smile (GBAS) program, which restores the smiles of domestic violence victims, is now being offered in Germany.
The GBAS program functions with the help of volunteer dentists and donations.
Jurgen Wahlmann, DDS, said he was inspired to start the GBAS program in Germany after hearing the story of Mona, a domestic violence survivor who sustained injuries to her mouth after being shot at close range by a former partner. Mona spoke at the AACD's annual meeting in Honolulu several years ago. She told attendees of the session how GBAS restored her smile and helped to change her life.
"Mona's story was so emotional and impressive," Dr. Wahlmann said.
He talked with the board of directors of the German Society of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the board agreed to start a GBAS program. After the AACD approved it, Dr. Wahlmann presented the program at the society's annual meeting. The response was overwhelming, Dr. Wahlmann said.
"A lot of dentists and companies signed up for the program, and we hope to make GBAS in Germany as successful as it is in the U.S.," he added.
