Eligible adults are being invited to apply for Give Back A Smile (GBAS), a U.S. program that restores damaged smiles for survivors of domestic violence.
Dentists across the U.S. are participating in GBAS, which is offered by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation (AACDCF). October marks National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
GBAS volunteer dentists provide on average $8,000 worth of smile-zone restoration treatment at no charge to qualified adult domestic violence survivors. These survivors apply for services through GBAS, and must make an appointment with a counselor, domestic violence advocate, social worker, or therapist to complete the advocate section of the GBAS application.
"Sadly, domestic violence is still prevalent and, in many places, on the rise in this time of economic turbulence," said Ken Banks, DDS, AACDCF Board of Trustees chair. "GBAS has restored the smiles of more than 1,000 domestic violence survivors to date, and we're looking to help even more."
GBAS reviews the initial application, and the volunteer dentist determines final eligibility. GBAS will connect initially qualified applicants with a local GBAS volunteer, who then provides treatment at no charge. All applicants must fulfill certain GBAS criteria, including having been out of an abusive relationship for at least one year and providing a small application fee or proof of community service.
