Community Service

Fort Lauderdale, FL Dentist

Restoring Smiles on Victims of Domestic Abuse.

The Local American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD) has an important program that helps heal the effects of domestic violence by providing free consultation and dental treatment to restore the smiles of survivors of domestic violence. Local dentist Dr. Natalia A. Alvarado, DMD, of All Smiles Dental in Pompano Beach, is a volunteer with the program and has recently completed a transformation for one fortunate young woman.

The survivor that Dr. Alvarado helped came from a shelter. She was physically abused by her husband and during her assaults, she was injured in the mouth, requiring root canals, porcelain crowns, and bonding. She is no longer in the abusive relationship and has received counseling to end the cycle of abuse.

“Through the Give Back a Smile program, AACD members like me assist survivors by treating their dental injuries that were sustained from domestic violence, so that they may reclaim their smiles, their self-esteem and, ultimately, their lives,” commented Dr. Alvarado. “Because more than five million people are affected by domestic violence every year in the United States and Canada, there is clearly a need for a program like Give Back a Smile to help survivors rejuvenate their lives through the caring hands of a local dentist.”

As an AACD dentist, Dr. Alvarado generously gives back to the community by providing free cosmetic dental care to survivors of intimate partner violence who have had their smiles damaged by physical abuse. We applaud her for helping our communities by helping individuals in need. You can contact Dr. Alvarado at All Smiles Dental, 954-941-5550, www.allsmilesflorida.com.

When the client first came to us, she was in pain. A large abscess had developing due to the trauma she sustained from her abuser. She required immediate dental care. After antibiotic therapy, she underwent a series of procedures including root canals, posts, build-ups, crowns, bonding, and fillings. After we completed her new smile, she left pain-free, more confident, and with a new smile. She said that before she met Dr. Alvarado she was embarrassed to smile. Now with her new smile, she smiles often, gets compliments, and has better self-esteem.