OCEAN CITY — More than five million individuals are affected by domestic violence each year in the United States, and local dentist Dr. William Allen is helping heal the effects by participating in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation’s (AACDCF) Give Back A Smile (GBAS) program.
Allen is one of a few volunteer dentists in the country involved with GBAS, which is available to restore the damaged smiles of eligible adult survivors of intimate partner violence.
“One in four women will experience intimate partner violence in her lifetime. Chances are, you know someone who’s been affected,” said Allen. “GBAS has restored the smiles of more than 1,000 intimate partner violence survivors to date, and we’re looking to help even more. If you know of someone who has suffered injuries to their smiles at the hands of a former intimate partner or spouse, please contact GBAS.”
GBAS volunteer dentists provide smile restoration treatment at no charge to eligible adult survivors of intimate partner violence. Survivors apply for services through GBAS, and must make an appointment with a counselor, domestic violence advocate, social worker or therapist to complete the advocate section of the GBAS application.
If you or you know of someone that could be helped by GBAS, or someone who would like to get involved in the program, please visit the GBAS website at www.giveback a smile.com or call toll-free 800.773.4227 for more information.
