The Smiles for Life campaign, dentistry's most successful charity, has launched its 29th annual campaign, running from March 1 to June 30. Since its inception in 1998, the initiative has raised more than $51 million to support children's health. The campaign, organized by The Crown Council, a group of leading dentists worldwide, allows patients to whiten or straighten their teeth while contributing to charitable causes.
When patients schedule a teeth whitening treatment at a participating Crown Council dentist office during the campaign, the dentist donates their time and expertise. Ultradent Products, Inc., maker of Opalescence tooth whitening systems, donates 100% of the whitening materials. As a result, the entire cost of each whitening goes directly to the Smiles for Life Foundation. Half of the proceeds support seriously ill, disabled, and underprivileged children globally, while the other half stays in the local community, where the dentist selects a beneficiary charity.
For patients seeking straighter smiles, Smiles for Life partners with Tréz clear aligners. For each Tréz treatment, a portion of the cost is donated to the 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."
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 including the Dominican Republic, Nepal, Bolivia, and Guatemala. Additionally, Smiles for Life maintains a partnership with the Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation, which supports Child Life Zones in children's hospitals across the United States.
The campaign not only provides dental benefits but also amplifies access to care and improves global health and wellness. Patients can learn more or find a participating dentist at smilesforlife.org or locate a Crown Council dentist here.
