The Smiles for Success Foundation (SFS) was established in 1995 by members from the American Association of Women Dentists. The Smiles for Success Foundation was formed to assist women in transition from welfare to work who cannot afford the cost of dental care. Facing a job interview for them may mean self-consciousness, embarrassment and pain as they attempt to hide decayed, missing and damaged teeth.

In early 1996, the pilot program was launched in New York City, and programs in Boston, Denver, and Philadelphia were developed in 1998. Smiles for Success is now active in several states.

Smiles for Success offers cost-free dental care to women who have completed community programs or are currently enrolled in job readiness programs with community based agencies, religious institutions or rehabilitative systems. While restoring oral health and a healthy smile, Smiles for Success gives participants a competitive edge in the job market by enhancing their appearance and assurance.

Smiles for Success also work in partnership with the aforementioned training programs, which have accredited, with successful records and training and placing women in jobs. In addition, each multiple Smiles for Success local area program works in conjunction with a clothing Agency for their interviews.

Smiles for Success was founded help those who are helping themselves. The dental care offered is intended as a short-term solution to those who need treatment unavailable to them through government programs or traditional insurance, as they move from welfare to work.

Recognizing the enormous lack of adequate dental care among the disadvantage, Smiles for Success educates and instructs women treated by the volunteer dentists so they and their families will then seek and maintain permanent dental care as they become financially stable.

Dentists Wishing to Volunteer

Dentists wishing to participate in this rewarding program should complete the Volunteer Dentist Application and return it to Smiles for Success office. Upon review and approval, participants are then referred to the dentist by the participant’s job training or placement program. Dentists’ services are donated. Any laboratory fees will be covered by partner labs or reimbursed to dentists who are members of the American Association of Women Dentists. Dentists interested in joining the AAWD can apply for membership at aawd.org at 800-920-2293 for more information.

Corporate Sponsorship Interest

Funding for the Smiles for Success Foundation program is provided to the generosity of corporate sponsorships, individual donations, and grants. Initial funding through grants from the Foundation of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, the Gillette Hayden Memorial Foundation, the Quaade Foundation, and the ADA Foundation made it possible to provide the basic services to get this worthwhile program established.

Make a Contribution to the Smiles for Success Foundation

Your donation will help make it possible to continue and extend Smiles for Success programs into new areas and provide services to even more clients. The Smiles for Success Foundation is recognized by the IRS as a charitable organization under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code. As such, donations to the foundation are tax-deductible as charitable contributions to the extent permitted under the law. Click here to make your donation.

If you have any questions, please contact the SFS National Office at 800-920-2293 or send an email to [email protected].

Learn more at smilesforsuccess.org.