Three 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 3 years over $30,000 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.

Last year, 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 on the continuing education course in order to provide those in attendance with the most up to date information on recognizing, communicating with and aiding patients who come in with injury from domestic violence. We hope to provide you with the tools to best manage these types of patients, as well as the resources for where to send them for aid. This CE course will begin at 10:00am and is free to all event ticket holders, it will provide one free hour of continuing education credit to those in attendance.

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:  Susanna Goggin at admin@smilesforlife-aawd.com

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