When an abusive relationship is finally ended, the healing process begins within a survivor.  In looking forward to a new future, a survivor knows that bruises will eventually go away and scars may fade, but broken or missing teeth will never heal on their own.  After facing so much abuse, it is hard for these survivors to find something to smile about, and it’s even harder when they don’t have a smile to show.  That’s why through theAmerican Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® Charitable Foundation (AACDCF) Give Back a Smile™ (GBAS)program, dental professionals nationwide give back the smiles to survivors of domestic violence through free restorative dental care.  We hope this in-turn give back their self-confidence and ultimately enables them to re-start their lives.

GBAS was established in 1999 by the AACD to give something back to the community.  In the spring of 2001, GBAS received the Award of Excellence and the prestigious Summit Award in the 2001 Associations Advance America Awards program, a national competition sponsored by the American Society of Association Executives.  To date, over 950 domestic abuse cases have been completed for a total dollar value of over $8.9 million and there are currently 450 applicants being treated throughout the United States.

For more information visit givebackasmile.com. Together we can help fight domestic abuse, one smile at a time!