They give back. They’re generous. They pay it forward.

Most AACDers are aware of the great work being done through our Charitable Foundation’s Give Back a Smile program. GBAS and volunteer dental teams and technicians are currently treating about 150 survivors of domestic and sexual violence across the nation. So far this year, volunteers have contributed more than $430,000 in donated dental services for GBAS patients.

But AACD Members give back in many other ways. The latest high-profile manifestation of this selfless attitude is Smiles for America, a program in which 50 cosmetic dentists from 50 states will give a smile to an American hero.

Founded by AACD Past President, Dean Lodding, DDS, AAACD, and Debra Gray King, DDS, FAACD, the state-by-state listing of participating dentists in Smiles for America is like looking at a who’s who of Academy members and rock stars! 50 States, 50 Dentists, 50 Heroes, 50 Smiles.

A hero could be defined as an individual who is of distinguished courage or ability or admired for their brave deeds and noble qualities. They are men and women of all ages, races, professions, and walks of life. They are those who give and do for others in the most admirable of ways without expecting anything in return. They give joy and smiles to many.

“And because they give so freely,” says Dr. King, “now is the time to use the special gifts we have been blessed with to give them something back. That something is the gift of a smile.”

Smiles for America is a united group of 50 dentists from 50 states banding together to provide smiles for 50 deserving American heroes. They will work hand in hand with the best dental laboratories in the country to create these smiles.

On or around September 11, 2021, smiles will be provided across our great country to each one of these deserving heroes. This date has been chosen to commemorate the spirit of the many heroes who gave their lives so selflessly on 9/11. They will never be forgotten for what they did to make a difference.

Dr. Lodding says, “It will be a blessing to give them something that they could not or would not ever be able to do for themselves. We will do it because we want to help to inspire the spirit of heroism and giving that makes America great.”

See who else is participating here: https://smilesforamerica.com/