Over 40 individuals received free dental care this past Sunday during the Burbank Day of Giving.
Bright Now! Dental, partnered with Smiles for Everyone Foundation, opened its doors on May 6 to provide pro-bono dental work to the low-income, underinsured individuals in the Los Angeles community. Volunteer providers and support staff from Smile Brands affiliated dental offices all around Southern California gathered at the Burbank office and delivered nearly $50,000 in donated dentistry.
Throughout the event, many patients expressed their gratitude for the services received and the kindness shown by the volunteers. Steve Crawford had not been to the dentist in over 20 years. He said he came to the event because he had years of dental neglect due to the loss of his job. “I’m fortunate that i found [this event].” he says. “Thank you so much! God Bless You!”
Michelle Hickey also has not received proper dental care in many years and has no insurance. Dr. Hoang-Anh Ho examined Michelle’s x-rays and mouth and realized she needed much more work than what could be done during that appointment. Dr. Ho asked Smiles for Everyone Foundation’s Program Coordinator, Audrey Nguyen, if she could bring Michelle back to her office at a later date and continue her work free of charge. Through the Foundation’s Smile Makeover program, Dr. Ho will be able to provide Michelle with the extensive care she needs. Michelle was in tears when she heard the news and was so overwhelmed by Dr. Ho’s generosity.
Dr. Ho was among four providers who volunteered their time at the Burbank Day of Giving. Other volunteer providers include Dr. Bobby Afrooz, Dr. Codruta Julia Fosman, and Dr. Michelle Martin.
Smile Brands’ Vice President of Southern California Operations, Claudia Perez, and Director of Market Operations of Northern Los Angeles, Nareg Pandazos were also in attendance and were knees deep in assisting the providers!
Smiles for Everyone Foundation would like to thank all the volunteers who took the time out of their weekend to help deliver Smiles to those in need. The next Day of Giving will be held at Bright Now! Dental in Orlando, FL on June 2.
