October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) five million people are victims of domestic violence in the U.S. every year.
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation's (AACDCF) Give Back A Smile (GBAS) program provides free dental care to victims of domestic abuse. They restore broken and damaged teeth at no cost to the victim. To date the foundation has treated 600 cases at a total cost of nearly $5 million.
"After suffering abuse, it is difficult for survivors to find something to smile about, and it's even harder when they don't have a smile to show. Time after time we have witnessed AACD members assist survivors of domestic violence by treating their dental injuries, restoring their smiles, their self-esteem and their lives," said AACD Foundation Director Erin Roberts in a press release.
If one of your patients is a victim in need of help, have them call GBAS at (800) 773-4227 and complete the application process. The AACD will connect eligible applicants with a local GBAS volunteer for treatment.
