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FEBRUARY 2004

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Giving Back Smiles

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE is a pattern of coercion that can include repeated battering and injury, psychological abuse, sexual assault, progressive social isolation, deprivation and intimidation. This violence spans all racial, ethnic, religious, educational and socioeconomic lines. Although the majority of victims are female, there has been an increase in men being battered.

Despite incredible challenges and obstacles, some abuse survivors are able to leave the relationship and start over. By assisting these survivors with their physical scars that make them feel selfconscious, helpless and limited, they are given renewed confidence and hope, which will help to ensure their independence and pursuit of a more positive, healthy, and rewarding life.

The Give Back A Smile™ (GBAS) program was established by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD) out of a desire to give something back to the community, specifically, to help victims of unfortunate circumstances. This community service project was proposed by an AACD Past President, Dr. Wynn Okuda. He believed this program could allow all AACD members to share their talents to help survivors of domestic violence who have suffered damage to, or lost, their smiles in an abusive attack.

Local American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry dentist Arthur J. Mowery, Jr., DMD has joined the AACD’s Give Back A Smile program to fight domestic violence by providing free consultation and dental treatment to restore the smiles of survivors.

“Through the Give Back A Smile program, AACD members like me assist survivors by treating their dental injuries that were sustained from domestic violence, so that they may reclaim their smiles, their self-esteem, and ultimately, their lives,” commented Dr. Mowery of Gainesville, Florida.

How the program works:

1- Domestic violence survivors who have suffered dental injuries from abuse can contact the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) by calling the GBAS national toll-free number, 800.773.GBAS (4227). All applicants must apply for the program through the NCADV.

2- The survivor then undergoes screening sessions with the NCADV and a local counselor of their choice to determine if they are eligible for the program.

If eligible, they are then referred to the AACD for acceptance. The AACD connects the survivor with a local GBAS volunteer who provides treatment at no charge to the survivor. For complete details, visit the GBAS Web site at www.givebackasmile.com.

Helping the Community by Helping Individuals

“Because more than five million people are affected by domestic violence every year in the United States, there is clearly a need for a program like Give Back A Smile to help survivors rejuvenate their lives through the caring hands of a local dentist,” Dr. Mowery indicated.

In July 2001, the AACD was one of only eight organizations in the world to receive the Award of Excellence and the prestigious Associations Advance America Summit Award for its GBAS program. The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), of Washington, D.C., sponsors this yearly national competition to recognize the charitable organizations that make the most effort to advance American society.

For complete details about the Give Back A Smile program, as well as more information regarding how doctors can participate, visit www.givebackasmile.com or call toll-free 800.543.9220. Those interested in finding help with the Give Back A Smile program can also visit the Web site, call the National Hotline: 800.773.GBAS, or send an e-mail to givebackasmile@aacd.com or call 352.332.6725.