Smile for a Lifetime Foundation, Jonesboro, Ark, has signed an exclusive arrangement with Ormco Corp, Orange, Calif, to help deliver pro bono orthodontic treatment services to underprivileged children throughout the country. Ormco will provide products free of charge to orthodontists affiliated with Smile for a Lifetime to treat underserved children. Smile for a Lifetime is a nonprofit organization that works with orthodontists to provide treatment scholarships to children whose families would not otherwise be able to afford treatment.
"I’m thrilled to have such a well-respected company like Ormco understand the importance of giving," said David B. Carter, DMD (pictured at left), national president of Smile for a Lifetime. "They are giving back in so many ways: to the lives they will change by sponsoring this charitable foundation and to our profession by helping the public see us as not only health care providers, but also as health care givers."
Ormco will donate a number of appliances including the Damon® System, a combination of tie-less braces and memory archwires. Orthodontists also will have access to the Simpli5™ express aligner system through Ormco’s AOA Orthodontic Laboratory, which manufacturers customized appliances.
With average treatment fees of $5,000 or more, orthodontics can be financially challenging for many parents. Each year, Smile for a Lifetime reviews hundreds of applicants before selecting those who will receive treatment based on financial need, letters of recommendation, community involvement, and special circumstances. So far, the organization has provided more than $2 million in orthodontic care.
"Orthodontists affiliated with the foundation donate their services, while this new arrangement with Ormco ensures that the appliances they use will be available without any out-of-pocket expenses," Carter said.
"We are so proud to support the exceptional work that Smile for a Lifetime and their affiliated orthodontists around the country are doing to change the lives of children," said Ken Konopa, president of Ormco. "A beautiful smile can literally transform the life of an individual, giving them the confidence they need to pursue their dreams. This isn’t just about straightening teeth; it’s about giving underserved children a chance at a happier, more successful future."
