The Smiles for Life campaign, now in its 29th year, has launched its annual initiative to raise funds for children's health by offering teeth whitening and straightening treatments. Since its inception in 1998, the program has raised over $51 million, making it dentistry's most successful charity, according to the Crown Council, the group of leading dentists behind the effort.
From March 1 to June 30, patients can schedule a teeth whitening treatment at participating Crown Council dentist offices, or a teeth straightening treatment at any time, and the dentist donates their time and expertise. Ultradent Products, Inc., maker of Opalescence tooth whitening systems, donates 100 percent of the whitening materials, ensuring the entire cost of each treatment goes to the Smiles for Life Foundation. Half of the proceeds support seriously ill, disabled, and underprivileged children worldwide, while the other half stays in the local community, with each dentist selecting their beneficiary charity.
For those seeking straighter smiles, Smiles for Life partners with Tréz clear aligners, with a portion of each treatment cost donated to the foundation. Greg Anderson, director of the Crown Council, said, "We are proud to offer this unique opportunity to do good simply by having teeth whitened or straightened." He expressed gratitude to dentists, patients, and corporate sponsors for making the campaign a success.
Since its launch, Smiles for Life dentists have supported more than 600 local children's charities. The foundation also funds national and international programs in countries such as the Dominican Republic, Nepal, Bolivia, and Guatemala, and maintains a partnership with the Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation, which supports Child Life Zones in children's hospitals across the United States.
More information is available at https://smilesforlife.org/. To locate a participating dentist, visit the Crown Council's website.
