NEW FOUNDATION ESTABLISHED TO PROVIDE FREE ORTHODONTIC CARE: “Smile for a Lifetime” is a national foundation focused on helping young people improve their lives through the gift of a new smile. In April of 2011, Dr. Tim Bandeen and Dr. Emily Bandeen of Bandeen Orthodontics in Battle Creek announced the establishment of the “Smile for a Lifetime Foundation of Battle Creek and Marshall”. The first chapter of “Smile for a Lifetime” was founded by Dr. Ben Burris of Jonesboro, Arkansas in 2008. In a short 2 and a half years, about 100 chapters in 28 states have been established. The foundation’s goal is to give out orthodontic scholarships to deserving individuals who would not otherwise be able to afford treatment.
The Mission Statement of the National Foundation speaks to the heart of what the local board members and the doctors aspire to accomplish here in our community:
“At Smile for a Lifetime Foundation it is our mission to create self-confidence, inspire hope, and change the lives of children in our communities in a dramatic way. The gift of a smile can do all this for a deserving, underserved individual who, in turn, can use this gift to better themselves and their community.”
THE PROCESS: The foundation will work here in our community by selecting candidates to be awarded orthodontic scholarships. Potential patients or candidates will fill out an application which is available on the BandeenOrthodontics.com website. The candidates will submit their application materials to the office of Bandeen Orthodontics. From the applications received, the local board will nominate candidates to be awarded orthodontic scholarships. Those nominated candidates will then be seen by Drs. Emily and Tim for an appointment to determine if orthodontic treatment is appropriate and beneficial. After it has been determined that candidates are ready for treatment, the board members of the local Smile for a Lifetime chapter will contact them to let them know that they have been awarded an orthodontic scholarship. The board will meet a few times each year to review applications and to nominate candidates for the orthodontic scholarships.
THE GOALS: In 2011, the local board for Smile for a Lifetime of Battle Creek and Marshall will select at least 6 candidates for treatment who will receive care here at our office. The total estimated value of the free treatment to be provided in 2011 is about $36,000. The board members and the doctors of Bandeen Orthodontics hope to see the program grow. Goals are to have one patient a month receive an orthodontic scholarship in the near future.
THE BOARD: The members of the board for the Smile for a Lifetime Foundation are people from local schools, health care providers, business owners, members of the local media, and people who currently work with other charitable organizations. Dr. Tim and Dr. Emily are not members of the board, but are available to give advice during the selection process.
THE CANDIDATES: The goal of “Smile for a Lifetime” is to help young people have orthodontic treatment when they would otherwise not be able afford it. The following are some guidelines for eligible candidates
- Candidates must be a resident of Calhoun County
- Preference will be given to candidates who are between 11 to 18 years of age
- In general, a candidate will meet the financial qualifications for Smile for a Lifetime if they also qualify for the “free and reduced school lunch program”; however discretion is given to the board members when evaluating the financial circumstances of each candidate
- He or she must have a significant esthetic need for orthodontic treatment
- Candidates must be a currently enrolled student
- Candidates have a positive attitude
- He or she agree to follow the treatment plan, and demonstrate the ability and commitment to make all appointments on time
While this program focuses on orthodontic care, the fact is that orthodontic care is only one step of the process. The board members and the doctors are hoping that young people who receive orthodontic scholarships will get much more than just a new smile. In order to be ready for orthodontic care, some of the young people will have to change their lifestyles, how they take care of themselves, and how they see themselves.
At the press conference on April 12, 2011, Dr. Tim said, “We want to see increases in confidence and self respect. We want them to become motivated to give of themselves to others in need, to become better prepared for daily life, and to become leaders. We are hoping that we see life changing experiences through this program. We want these young people to go out and make our community a better place because of their experiences with this program.”COMMUNITY SUPPORT/DONATIONS OF EFFORT AND TIME: The local board is working on acquiring community support for this project. Community support in terms of financial backing as well as donations of time will be greatly appreciated. It is possible to email “SmileForALifetime@BandeenOrthodontics.com” to find out more about the program and how to help. Any donations made to this local chapter of Smile for a Lifetime will stay local to help the local community and to support the local chapter of Smile For A Lifetime in its business of helping the community. Plans are to set up accounts where local donations can submitted to a fund held with the Battle Creek Community Foundation. Community support and partnership will allow for the program to expand to help more young people have the gift of a new smile.
At the present time, Dr. Tim and Dr. Emily are the primary supporters of the foundation through both their personal finances and their efforts. Three local dentists have pledged to help provide dental care to scholarship recipients who may not have a current dentist and who cannot afford general care. Also, Ormco, the company used by Bandeen Orthodontics for braces and technology, has generously agreed to provide Damon System Braces and the technology of Insignia computerized orthodontic treatment for candidates who have been awarded scholarships.
Mother Teresa once said, “peace begins with a smile”. It is the sincere desire of everyone involved that this program will bring new smiles to our community.
APPLICATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION: For more information, please visit BandeenOrthodontics.com. You can find applications at that site along with information about the application process.
Bandeen Orthodontics has been part of Battle Creek since 1987, and is currently led by Dr. Tim Bandeen and Dr. Emily Bandeen. The doctors and staff at Bandeen Orthodontics are thrilled to be on the cutting edge of orthodontic care, striving to continually improve treatment results, and making the process of getting a great smile more pleasant and enjoyable for patients. They are also extremely excited to be a part of Smile for a Lifetime Foundation. To learn more about care at Bandeen Orthodontics, please visit the website at BandeenOrthodontics.com or call (269) 963-4118 to schedule an appointment.
