Tomorrow's SMILES: restoring health, renewing hope
BeforePascual was extremely motivated to take part in Tomorrow’s SMILES and complied excellently with home care from day one. Before esthetic service could begin, our office provided Pascual with extensive oral health education and treated his mild gum disease with FMPS and SC/RP appointments. Study models were taken, and our office found a generous partner in Absolute and Glidewell Dental Labs, who agreed to complete our Tomorrow’s SMILES cases for little or no charge. To provide Pascual with the true comprehensive esthetic and restorative care he needed, we replaced his failing, nonesthetic bridge and extracted an abscessed tooth. Pascual was thrilled when we informed him of our plans; he had always wanted these services but knew he could not afford it. The irony of the situation is that he could not afford the necessary treatment. So even though he would complete his schooling, without proper dental treatment his smile would prevent him from employment of certain jobs. Throughout this case, not only did we enjoy seeing the transformation occurring with his teeth, but with Pascual himself. After our first prep appointment, his temps were placed. By the next appointment, Pascual, who is normally expressionless and dressed in an unassuming way, arrived at our office in a sunflower-yellow cable knit sweater, collared shirt, and slacks! More importantly, he was wearing the biggest smile on his face and really wowed all the ladies in the office. We had just begun his case and already we could see this young gentleman transforming before our eyes! An important aspect of the Tomorrow’s SMILES program is the obligation of each teen participant to “Pay It Forward” by providing oral health education to younger children. As part of Pascual's Pay-It-Forward responsibilities, he chose to speak to a preschool called Spanish for Fun Academy, located in Chapel Hill, N.C. Using the NCOHF’s Toothfairy Island educational materials, Pascual and several others from our office conducted an interactive oral health program for the students. The program had three stations at which different age-appropriate activities took place. During the activities Pascual commented, "I had a great time. The kids enjoyed learning about their teeth and that they need to take care of them now so that later they [won’t] have the same problem I had. Before, I would have never stood in front of a group of people, especially younger kids, and spoken. Now I have so much confidence, it's great! I can smile now!"