How The Application Process Works

1. Download an application from the web site, or request one through the toll-free number at  888.900.3554 or by email.

2. Applicants and their parent/guardian complete the application and have their dentist fill out the dental referral form. To continue in the application process, applicants must demonstrate good oral hygiene. This is important because braces can actually permanently damage teeth that are not properly brushed and flossed daily.

**Note: Because of the great demand for this program, we encourage applicants to have a letter of support or write their own letter about why they want braces. While this is not a requirement, it does demonstrate motivation and desire on the part of the applicant.

3. Applicants submit their application along with a $25 non-refundable application fee, the dental referral form and a copy of their most recent tax return to Smiles Change Lives (SCL) National Headquarters. SCL staff completes an initial application review, ensuring that:

• The application and contract have been fully completed and signed by both the applicant and the parent or legal guardian.

• The family meets the income guidelines.  Click here to see if your family meets our income guidelines.  Your family must have an annual household taxable income (line 43 on 1040 form) at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
  

• The applicant is between the ages of 11-18.

• The applicant is not currently wearing braces.

• The applicant has a dental referral form confirming applicant’s good oral hygiene.

4. If the application is not complete or does not meet our guidelines, it will be returned or denied. You will be notified by letter. You do have the opportunity to reapply, once you include all the required items and meet all program criteria.

5. If the application is complete, the applicant is notified that their application has been received, and they will be added to the orthodontic screening list. Depending on program demand and capacity, it could take 3 to 12 months to receive this screening.

6. Applicants will be assigned to the closest screening location. Applicants are screened on a first-come, first-served basis.

7. About four weeks before their screening date, applicants will receive a letter stating when, where and how to schedule their orthodontic screening. The patient will be examined by an SCL partner orthodontist who will forward all patient information, photos and any x-rays taken to SCL headquarters.

8. The applicant’s file, including all screening information, goes before the local Community Advisory Board for review and approval or denial. Occasionally, applicants are asked to be re-screened at a later date for further dental development or other issues.

9. SCL notifies the family of the child’s acceptance, rejection, or need to re-screen via letter. Upon acceptance, the family must submit a $500 fee for treatment to SCL within 90 days in order to be assigned to their doctor. A limited number of particially subsidized placements may be avaliable in some areas. Visit our website at www.smileschangelives.org/qualify for current information.

10. Once the $500 payment has been received by SCL, the child is assigned to a partner orthodontist as close to the child’s home as possible, and the family is notified to call and arrange their first appointment. A letter is also sent to the assigned doctor notifying him/her of the new patient.