Smiles Change Lives (SCL), Kansas City, Mo, announced a 145% increase in the number of orthodontic treatments it was able to provide to low-income children in 2012.
The organization provides access to life-changing, essential orthodontic care for children from low-income families needing braces or suffering from dental deformities such as cleft palate, missing teeth, or impacted teeth.
In 2012, Smiles Change Lives received 2,373 applications for treatment and was able to provide it to 804 children, a 145% increase over 2011, according to the organization.
Currently, SCL has partnerships with 688 orthodontic providers across the country. Since 1997, the organization’s network has treated more than 2,300 children, according to SCL’s website.
SCL has set a goal to expand its impact in 2013, in order to reach 1,000 children.
“2012 was a tremendous year of growth for Smiles Change Lives. I am thrilled with our year-end results and anticipate a significant growth in the number of children we will serve in 2013,” said Tom Brown, president of Smiles Change Lives.
