October 4, 2007 Bellevue, Washington - Help heal the effects of domestic violence by participating in the whitening program hosted by local dentist Dr. Lynn Jones. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month Dr. Lynn Jones will perform whitening treatments for a direct donation to Give Back A Smile (GBAS), a program designed to help survivors of domestic violence.

Radio Interview with Dr. Jones

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) Charitable Foundation’s primary program, GBAS, provides cosmetic dental care to survivors of domestic violence who have suffered damage to, or lost, their smiles at the hands of someone they loved. With the support of Discus Dental and Ultradent Products, Inc. AACD member volunteers provide whitening treatments to patients in support of GBAS.

“The GBAS whitening program is a collaborative way for dentists and patients to make a difference in the lives of survivors of domestic violence. It is a win, win, win situation for everyone involved,” commented Dr. Jones.

How the GBAS Whitening Program Works

About Give Back A Smile
The GBAS program was launched May 27, 1999. Since then, more than 6,000 AACD volunteer dentists, dental laboratories and other dental professionals have volunteered their time and expertise pro bono for the GBAS program. Since its inception, over 550 domestic abuse cases have been completed for a total dollar value of over $4.3 million. Currently, 300 applicants are being treated throughout the United States.
Domestic violence survivors who have suffered dental injuries from abuse from a former intimate partner or spouse can learn more about GBAS online at: www.givebackasmile.com or contact GBAS toll-free at: 800.773.GBAS (4227) . Survivors must make an appointment with a counselor, domestic violence advocate, social worker or therapist to complete the advocate section of the GBAS application. GBAS conducts the initial review of the application however the dentist has the final say as to the eligibility of the applicant. If eligible, the AACD connects the survivor with a local GBAS volunteer who provides treatment at no charge to the recipient. Donations for the GBAS program can be made to the AACD Charitable Foundation, 5401 World Dairy Drive, Madison, WI 53718-3900.

Dr. Lynn Jones is a GBAS volunteer and whitening program provider in the Washington area.

Since its founding in 1984, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) has been dedicated to advancing excellence in the art and science of cosmetic dentistry and encouraging the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care among cosmetic dentists. The AACD and its more than 7,600 members focus on creating beautiful smiles through services like teeth whitening, lifelike porcelain veneers, and natural-colored restorations, as well as providing trends, statistics and information to the public. The AACD Charitable Foundation’s primary program, Give Back A Smile is dedicated to providing cosmetic dental care at no cost to survivors of domestic violence. Give Back A Smile raises awareness of domestic violence and gives survivors of domestic violence hope for a better tomorrow truly something to smile about.