A local team consisting a cosmetic dentist, 2 oral surgeons and a dental lab collaborated to help restore the smile of a domestic abuse survivor, Jasmine.  She had lost her self-confidence and struggled to interact with people due to her embarrassment about her teeth and smile. She had been in an abusive relationship where her domestic partner inflicted both physical and emotional harm, leading her to turn to drugs in order to cope. After having her daughter, Jasmine was determined to change her life and provide a better future for the both of them. She sought help through drug rehabilitation and therapy to recover from the trauma caused by the abuse.

As part of her recovery path, Jasmine applied to the Give Back a Smile Program. This initiative, created by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), connects adult survivors of domestic and sexual abuse with cosmetic dentists who donate their time and services to restore smiles damaged as a result of abuse.  

Dr. Joy Brauer, a local cosmetic dentist and one of three dentists in the state of Arizona to be accredited with the AACD, partnered with oral surgeons Dr. Brent Boyse and Dr. Greg Romney at AZ MAX to restore Jamine’s smile. Due to the exposure to drugs, Jasmine’s teeth were severely damaged. Drs. Boyse and Romney removed Jasmine’s badly decayed teeth and placed dental implants to help with retention of dentures. Dr. Joy Brauer collaborated with a local dental lab, Van Hook Dental Studio, to create a set of dentures that engaged with the implants so that Jasmine could feel confident when speaking, smiling and eating. Jasmine loves her “new” smile and is extremely grateful to the team that came together to help her regain her confidence.

Although domestic violence affects one in four women, it is a silent epidemic that is cross-gender, cross-cultural, and income defiant. It could affect anyone-whether they are your family members, neighbors, or friends-regardless of gender.

On May 27, 1999, the Give Back a Smile program was launched. Since its inception, dental professionals—including AACD dentists and laboratory technicians—volunteer their time and expertise to help victims of domestic abuse. The program has successfully completed more than 1,600 pro bono domestic abuse cases, providing treatment valued at over $16 million.   Currently, more than 400 applicants throughout the United States are receiving dental care through Give Back a Smile.

Contact information:

Dr Joy Brauer on Instagram @drjoybrauer

Dr. Brent Boyse and Dr. Greg Romney on Instagram @azmaxsurgeons

Van Hook Dental Studio on Instagram @vanhookdentalstudio