Dentist joins group that offers help to victims of domestic abuse

McAfee — Cosmetic dentist Dr. Marc Schlenoff is a volunteer for the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation’s Give Back A Smile program to heal the effects of domestic violence by providing free consultation and denial treatment to restore the smiles of survivors of domestic violence. “Through the Give Back A Smile program, AACD members assist survivors by treating their dental injuries thai were sustained from domestic violence, so that they may reclaim their smiles, their self-esteem and, ultimately, their lives,” said Dr. Schlenoff. How Give Back A Smile works Domestic violence survivors who have suffered dental injuries from abuse from a former intimate partner or spouse can contact the program at 800-773-4227. Survivors must make an appointment with a counselor, domestic violence advocate, social worker or therapist to complete the advocate section of the application. Give Back A Smile conducts the initial review of the application, however, the dentist has the final say as to the eligibility of the applicant. If eligible, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry connects the survivor with a local volunteer who provides treatment at no charge to the recipient “Because more than five million people are affected by domestic violence every year in the United States and Canada, there is clearly a need for a program like this to help survivors rejuvenate their lives through the caring hands of a local dentist,” Dr. Schlenoff said.