Every year, more than 5 million people become victims of domestic violence in the United States alone. Of those abused, seventy-five percent receive battering to the head and face area. Once a victim makes the transition into survivor internally, they often need financial help to heal on the outside.
The charitable mission of the Give Back A Smile (GBAS) program is to assist in rebuilding the lives and dignity of survivors of domestic violence through kindhearted cosmetic dental services and support programs. The effects of domestic violence don’t go away when the hitting stops, and a broken smile is a constant reminder.
Dr. Landers is a proud member of the “Give Back a Smile” Program in which he and his office donate their time and skills to help battered women achieve new smiles. He was awarded the “Partners in Peace” award for his compassionate cosmetic dental services for Chicago’s domestic abuse victims.
How Give Back A Smile Works
- Domestic violence survivors who have suffered dental injuries from abuse from a former intimate partner or spouse can contact GBAS toll-free at 800.773.GBAS (4227).
- Survivors must make an appointment with a counselor, domestic violence advocate, social worker, or therapist to complete the advocate section of the GBAS application.
- GBAS conducts the initial review of the application, however, the dentist has the final say as to the eligibility of the applicant.
- If eligible, the AACD connects the survivor with a local GBAS volunteer who provides treatment at no charge to the recipient.
About Give Back a Smile Program
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD) Give Back A Smile (GBAS) program helps heal the effects of domestic violence by providing free consultation and dental treatment to restore the smiles of survivors of domestic violence. AACD members assist survivors by treating their dental injuries that were sustained from domestic violence, so that they may reclaim their smiles, their self-esteem and, ultimately, their lives.
In July 2001, the AACD was one of only eight organizations in the world to receive the Award of Excellence and the prestigious Associations Advance America Summit Award for its GBAS program. The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), of Washington, D.C, sponsors this yearly national competition to recognize the charitable organizations that make the most effort to advance American society.
For complete details about the Give Back A Smile program, www.givebackasmile.com or call toll-free: 800.543.9220. Those interested in finding help with the Give Back A Smile program can also visit the Web site, call the National Hotline: 800.773.GBAS, or send an e-mail to givebackasmile@aacd.com.
About Dr. Kevin Landers, DDS
Dr. Kevin Landers is an accredited member of the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, having completed advanced training and extensive education in cosmetic dentistry. He is the first dentist in the Chicago land area to successfully pass the five year Accreditation Examination. He also is a certified Implantologist with a decade of experience providing surgical placement and cosmetic restoration of dental implants.
