Four years ago, the Smiles for Life event was begun by Dr. Erin Langfels in order to create a fund for victims of domestic violence so that they would be able to receive dental care for no cost to them at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. In order to raise money for this fund, she began Smiles for Life; a Fall Fashion Show, Brunch, and Silent Auction. 100% of the proceeds from this event go directly to the Bluegrass Domestic Violence Center where the money is earmarked for individuals and families entering the center to be able to receive much needed dental care. Their needs stem from injury and neglect, as oral health often is not a priority when one is trying to survive in a violent situation.
As women in dentistry, the UK chapter of the American Association of Women Dentists has continued this event and is proud to say that over the past 4 years over $40,000 has been placed in this fund and we have helped many victims of domestic violence across the bluegrass. Our chapter supports this cause, and seeks to promote compassion and generosity as well as maintaining high professional standards amongst our members. We work hard to facilitate an environment of community amongst our members, faculty and alumni.
Two years ago, Dr. Meghan Thomas added a free continuing education course to the event for those dentists in attendance. We are working hard this year to expand attedance for the continuing education and are excited to reveal the speaker of our 2011 Continuing Education course. Dr. Jeffery P. Okeson has graciously offered to host our free two hour course. The course is entitled, “An Update on Orofacial Pain in the Dental Practice.” He will also touch on the relationship between orofacial pain and domestic violence victims. This CE course will begin at 8:30am and is free to all event ticket holders, it will provide two free hours of continuing education credit to those in attendance. If you would like to attend this event, please indicate so on the registration form.
We have and will continue this event as it goes along with our goals as women in dentistry. The women of UK AAWD ask you to partner with us in maintaining the ‘Smiles for Life’ fund. We hope to see you and your business represented at our event. Please take the time to look at our website, and please let us know if there is any information you would like regarding sponsorship, donations or event registration.
Questions: Amy Goodlett at admin@smilesforlife-aawd.com