The Smiles for Life campaign, now in its 29th year, offers patients the opportunity to whiten or straighten their teeth while supporting children's charities. Since its inception in 1998, the initiative has raised more than $51 million, making it dentistry's most successful charity program, according to the Crown Council, the organization behind the effort.
Between March 1 and June 30, patients who schedule a teeth whitening treatment at a participating Crown Council dentist office can contribute to the cause. The dentist donates their time and expertise, while Ultradent Products, Inc., the maker of Opalescence whitening systems, provides 100 percent of the whitening materials. This arrangement ensures that the entire cost of the treatment goes directly to the Smiles for Life Foundation. Half of the proceeds support seriously ill, disabled, and underprivileged children worldwide through the foundation, while the remaining half benefits local charities chosen by each member dentist.
For those seeking straighter teeth, the campaign also partners with Tréz clear aligners. A portion of the cost for each Tréz treatment is donated to the Smiles for Life Foundation.
“We are proud to offer this unique opportunity to do good simply by having teeth whitened or straightened,” said Greg Anderson, director of the Crown Council. “The Crown Council is grateful to our dentists, patients and corporate sponsors, who together have made the Smiles for Life Campaign a tremendous success. Through supporting local and global charities, we have increased access to dental care and improved health and wellness around the world.”
Since its start, Smiles for Life dentists have supported more than 600 local children's charities. The foundation also funds national and international oral health programs for economically disadvantaged children in countries such as the Dominican Republic, Nepal, Bolivia, and Guatemala. Additionally, it maintains a long-standing partnership with the Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation, which supports Child Life Zones in children's hospitals across the United States.
For more information, visit https://smilesforlife.org/. To locate a participating dentist, click here.
