Give Kids A Smiles Event Creates Opportunity for Healthy Smiles

Feb. 24, 2011 - PRLog -- Orlando, FL: Every child deserves a healthy smile. The Lake County Dental Association will provide dental exams, x-rays, dental cleanings, fillings and extractions to kids 3-17 years old as part of the 2011 Lake County Dental Association Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) event.
The event will be held Friday, February, 25th from 9 AM – 4 PM at 15820 Dora Avenue, Suite A in Tavares, FL (the office of Dr. Tim Pruett). This event is for children from low-income families who need free basic dental care (kids needing additional treatment will be referred to a specialist only on a case-by-case basis). Families will also receive information about affordable orthodontic care in their area via Smiles Change Lives (SCL).

“At our 5th annual GKAS event, we wish to promote prevention of rampant dental decay by providing oral health education to at-risk families while providing comprehensive care to underprivileged children,” says Dr. Lisa Yurkiewicz, Smiles Change Lives provider and GKAS event chair. “This year we are happy to offer information to families on access to affordable orthodontic treatment for qualified children.”

Families must pre-register for this event for financial screening and eligibility. Please call (352) 483-9184 to register. Dentists, orthodontists and hygienists across the Orlando metro area are donating their time, services and expertise to help kids receive the dental care they need. But without the parents’ commitment to their child’s health a number of kids will go this year without seeing a dentist.

According to the ADA, the GKAS program enhances the oral health of a large number of needy children. This program’s activities also highlight for policy makers the ongoing challenges that low-income families face in finding dental care.

Kids who attend this event will also have first-hand access to information about low-cost braces. SCL is a nonprofit program looking for youth who meet the following criteria:
•   Ages 11-18
•   With crooked teeth and/or misaligned jaws
•   Whose family income is at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Level
•   With good oral hygiene
•   Who are motivated to comply with program guidelines and treatment plan


A family’s financial situation can change throughout the years. A child’s oral health and social development shouldn’t be compromised due to hardships. Families, teachers, nurses and all who work with low-income children are encouraged to download an application at http://www.smileschangelives.org/apply for more information. Financial guidelines are available at http://www.smileschangelives.org/qualify. Applications are available in English and Spanish.

Smiles Change Lives (SCL) promotes and provides access to life-changing, essential orthodontic treatment to children from low-income families. With a growing demand nationwide, our vision is to provide access to braces for all youth suffering from crooked teeth and misaligned jaws.  Since 1997, SCL has created more than 1,500 healthy smiles. With the support of 3M, our official orthodontic industry sponsor, SCL will be able to reach out to even more communities nationwide.

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A national charity that provides affordable orthodontics (braces) for children from low-income families. We serve kids and families in all 50 states. For more information or to apply visit http://www.smileschangelives.org/apply