Community Involvement Lenexa

SmileTrain

Every child born in the world has the opportunity to live a full, productive life, including those born with a cleft palate. Especially in developing countries, children born with a cleft lip or palate unfortunately number in the millions. In addition to the way a cleft may look, most of the children born with them can’t eat or speak properly. Many children are not permitted to attend school or hold a job, both of which are sorely needed in developing countries. Children born with a cleft often suffer needlessly, as there is treatment that they can benefit from.

Give Back a Smile

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation (AACDCF) is on a mission to assist in rebuilding the lives and dignity of survivors of domestic violence through compassionate cosmetic dental services and support programs. Our program provides restorative and cosmetic dentistry in the smile-zone at no cost to qualified survivors through our nationwide network of volunteer cosmetic dentists and our support team of laboratories and dental manufacturers.

The Give Back a Smile (GBAS) program launched on May 27, 1999. Since then, AACD member dentists, dental laboratories, and other dental professionals have volunteered their time and expertise pro bono to restore the damaged smiles of more than 1,100 survivors of intimate partner violence for a total value of more than $10 million.

Shadow Buddies Foundation

The mission of the Shadow Buddies Foundation is to provide emotional support through education regarding illness, disability, or medical treatments. The foundation accomplishes this mainly through unique programs designed to enhance the lives of children and adults and increase compassion and understanding of differences.

Shadow Buddies are condition-specific dolls designed to be a friend “just like me” for seriously ill or medically challenged children. The Buddies not only provide comfort to the ill child, but also provide physicians a hands-on method of educating newly diagnosed children and their families about a particular disease or medical condition and its treatment.

Dentistry From the Heart

Dentistry From The Heart (DFTH) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing free dental care to those who need it. Every year, individual dentists and practices across the country donate their time and resources to host their own DFTH events. In support of our DFTH partners, the organization serves to recruit, unify, and promote events on a national level.

National Children’s Dental Health Month

National Children's Dental Month occurs in February each year and is designed to raise awareness about how important it is to maintain good oral health. Sponsored by the American Dental Association (ADA), the message spread throughout the month has led many individuals to better understand why it’s essential to start good oral hygiene habits at an early age. For individuals with children, this is a great time to get their little ones in for an appointment and allow us to kickstart their journey to better oral health.

Heart to Heart International

Heart to Heart International has been creating a healthier world since 1992. Our mission is to improve global health through initiatives that connect people and resources to a world in need. Through our mobilization efforts, we provide medical education, deliver medical aid, respond to people in crisis, and address community-health concerns around the globe. You will find this in our DNA as you browse our core ideology. We are continually driven to help more people in need and engage more people in our cause–all with the dream of a world where disaster and disease are no longer universal concerns.

Harvesters

Harvesters is our area’s only food bank; it serves as a clearinghouse that collects and distributes food and household products. With a mission to “feed hungry people today and work to end hunger tomorrow,” the organization has been changing lives since 1979. They distribute collected products and offer nutritional services through various nonprofit agencies. They also provide leadership and educational programs to help increase awareness about hunger within the community and how people can participate and help alleviate this problem.

Donated Dental Services

The Donated Dental Services program is a volunteer network that provides free, comprehensive dental treatment to those in our communities who are the most vulnerable – particularly those who are disabled, medically fragile, or the elderly. Our network provides dental services to patients who are unable to afford treatment, nor can they qualify for public aid. Thanks to the network of over 15,000 dentists and over 3,500 labs who participate, our program has passed the $300 million mark in donated treatments. We’ve made a positive impact on the lives of more than 100,000 people.