Kecia, a high school student near Bakersfield, CA, had multiple dental problems, including several missing teeth and gaps between her teeth. But her family could not afford the orthodontic treatment she desperately needed.
The teasing and bullying she endured affected her personality, turning her into a shy, introverted child -- until a physical education teacher recommended her to the orthodontic practice of Donald Montano, DDS.
Donald Montano, DDSDr. Montano took on her case, fitted her with braces, and closed some of the gaps between her teeth -- all at no cost. And though she still needs more dental work -- including implants and crowns -- Kecia has gone through a physical transformation and an emotional one as well. She has gained confidence and self-esteem.
Her extensive treatment was the result of a scholarship provided by the Bakersfield chapter of the Smile for a Lifetime Foundation, which Dr. Montano runs.
Smile for a Lifetime is a nonprofit organization of orthodontists across the U.S. who provide pro bono treatment to kids in need. Founded in 2008 by Benjamin Burris, DDS, MDS, of Jonesboro, AR, the foundation aims to reach children with financial challenges, special situations, and orthodontic needs, and sponsors the orthodontic care of hundreds of patients each year.
Smile for a Lifetime promotes local management of pro bono cases, rather than depending on a national organization. For each chapter, a board of directors composed of members of the community spread the word to the targeted audience and selectively choose applicants for orthodontic treatment. The local chapters raise their own money to support the effort, and the foundation has a national sponsor -- Ormco -- that donates dental supplies.
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| Kecia, a high school student near Bakersfield, CA, before and after orthodontic treatment provided by Dr. Montano through the Smile for a Lifetime Foundation. |
A grassroots organization
Dr. Montano, who got his doctor of dental surgery degree from the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry and did his graduate work in orthodontics at the University of Washington, has run his practice in Bakersfield for almost 20 years.
He became involved with Smile for a Lifetime when it was still on the drawing board, working with Dr. Burris to help lay the groundwork. Today, in addition to overseeing the Bakersfield chapter, he is also a member of the foundation's national board.
Smile for a Lifetime currently has 81 chapters in 30 states. Each chapter is required to treat a minimum of eight cases a year; if they can do 12 or more, they receive regional exclusivity.
"The plan from the get-go was to take the organization national," Dr. Montano said. "It could not fail because it was a grassroots organization."
Dr. Montano's Bakersfield chapter is one of the most successful, with up to 24 pro bono cases a year. But the patients are considered part of his regular practice, the only requirement being that they come in on the mornings when the office is not too busy. His whole staff has become involved in the venture.
— Donald Montano, DDS
Dr. Montano encourages all of his Smile for a Lifetime scholarship recipients to provide community service as a way of showing their appreciation.
"Some families are very proud and won't accept charity," Dr. Montano explained. "By calling it a scholarship, we make the kids feel like they have earned their treatment."
To qualify for a scholarship, recipients have to meet certain criteria -- including significant aesthetic need for braces, age range, and income limitations -- and also exhibit a certain character and have a positive attitude.
Dr. Montano is surprised at how fulfilling the whole experience has been for him.
"I have had experiences with patients who were pleased with their orthodontic work," Dr. Montano said. "But when you treat kids who did not expect it because they never thought they could afford it, their joy is immense. It's amazing how excited they get and how appreciative and thankful they are."
His work with Smile for a Lifetime has also led to a lot of goodwill from his patient base and the community. But the most gratifying part is the positive changes in the children's lives, Dr. Montano said.
He recalled a recent case involving a young boy from a small town near Bakersfield who was nominated for the scholarship by his coach. The son of a farm worker, the patient is a smart student and a good athlete, but his teeth were so bad that he was extremely shy.
He told Dr. Montano that he was receiving scholarship offers from several colleges, including the University of Alabama. But he was concerned that his dental treatment would not be completed before he started college.
Dr. Montano had a simple solution: Smile for a Lifetime has a presence in 30 states, including Alabama.
His patient no longer has to worry about dental treatment.
