“Give Back a Smile” Program Restores Dental Health of Violence Victims

The Give Back a Smile Program founded by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry uses volunteer cosmetic dentists to restore the damaged teeth of domestic violence victims at no cost. I learned of this program through an article on CNN yesterday that reports that 500 U.S. applicants have now received the program’s services.

Survivors of violence can apply for cosmetic dental assistance by calling 800-773-4227. According to the website, the application process is as follows:

The Life of a GBAS Case:

1. A survivor calls the GBAS, 800-773-4227, for an application.

2. The application is received by the survivor, filled out with the assistance of a domestic violence counselor and returned to GBAS for review.

3. When a dentist agrees to take the case, a letter is sent to the survivor with the volunteer’s contact information listed. It is the survivor’s responsibility to call to set up the consultation.

4. The dentist makes sure that the survivor qualifies according to the guidelines that were sent earlier at the consultation. If not, the case is closed by GBAS.

5. The dentist determines eligibility. If eligible the dentist will develop a treatment plan.

6. If/when lab assistance is needed, the coordinator will give contact information for a lab that will donate the work. The original “GBAS Donated Lab Work” form that is sent with the case needs to be sent to ANY lab that is donating the work.

7. When the case is complete, fill out the final report and send to GBAS and the case is recorded as complete.

Note that a domestic violence counselor or social worker must confirm that the tooth damage was caused by domestic violence, which is “sometimes done through checking police reports or restraining orders.”

Kudos to the AACD for organizing the volunteer dentists and providing these services. Information for volunteers and donors is available online.

A few questions I have about the program:

[Updated with responses from the AACD in italics]

-What qualifies as domestic violence?

Under the GBAS guidelines domestic violence can be physical abuse from a former intimate partner or spouse. We also take into consideration emotional abuse, for example if someone was not allowed to seek dental care.



-Can men receive treatment?

Yes, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements of the program.

-Abused children?

Unfortunately, the GBAS program is only available to adult survivors of domestic abuse. GBAS does not have the resources to expand its services outside these guidelines at this time.

-Can same-sex partners qualify?

Yes, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements of the program.

-Are oral health issues such as cavities and gum disease addressed, or are only cosmetic/tooth replacement issues considered?

The volunteers are asked to at least treat the injured area but they are not limited to that. The program’s guidelines do not include severe decay, neglect or gum disease. The doctor does have the option of treating these issues but they are not required to.

-Is there any screening for oral cancers?

This is up to each individual volunteer GBAS member dentist.

-How long does it typically take from application to receiving services?

The application process can a few months. Depending on the availability of volunteer GBAS member dentists in certain areas or multiple survivors needing assistance in some areas the wait can be longer.

-Are services generally available locally, or are they centered only in big cities? How geographically broad is the program? How far do most applicants have to drive to receive assistance?

There are volunteer GBAS member dentists throughout the United States including rural areas and large cities and in Canada. GBAS does consider distance when matching a domestic violence survivor with a volunteer GBAS member dentist. Reimbursements are made for any travel expenses incurred. Each case is different but generally most survivors do not need to travel long distances.

-What percentage of applicants receive services? Do all applicants with confirmed teeth problems due to domestic violence generally receive assistance?

As long as the eligibility requirements are met survivors of domestic violence generally receive assistance. They do not receive services if they miss appointments, cancel short notice, don’t keep us updated as to their current contact information, or the dentist does not see any evidence of dental injuries as a result of abuse.

Will update if I get answers.

Thanks to Anna Velten of AACD for answering my questions.