Frequently Asked Questions
APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
Can I fill out the application online?
No. At this time we do not offer an online application option.
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Can I still apply if I’m already 18?
Yes. We do accept applications for children who are 18 years old and will work to get them treatment if possible. However, acceptance into the program for children of this age can sometimes depend on whether or not the child is located in a high capacity area.
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Is the Dental Referral Form required?
Yes. The Dental Referral Form is REQUIRED and must be filled out by the child's general dentist based on a dental visit no more than six (6) months prior to the date of the application. The dental referral form must indicate good oral hygiene, no unfilled cavities and fewer than four (4) baby teeth.
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Can my child still be accepted if I don’t submit my tax information?
No. A copy of the most recent year's Federal Tax Form 1040/1040A or a current SSI awards letter is REQUIRED. There are no exceptions to this policy. Applications submitted without tax information or with forms that have been altered in any way, including removing/blacking out Social Security numbers, will not be accepted. For additional details on this requirement, please click here.
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Is the personal essay required? What should I write?
The personal essay, letters of support and photos are optional but encouraged.
Essays and letters of support should indicate why the child needs braces, how their teeth have affected them, how they think their life will change if they get braces, plans for the future, or anything that the child would like to express. The essay can be in any format and can be any length.
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How do I know if my family meets the income requirements?
There is a chart available to assist you in determing your financial eligibility at www.smileschangelives.org/financial. Find the number of dependents in your household, and if your total household income is BELOW the dollar amount listed on the chart under “200%”, you should qualify financially.
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I have more than one child in need of braces. Do I have to submit a separate application for each of them?
Yes. A separate application, tax/SSI forms, dental referral form and $30 application fee is required for each child who is applying to receive treatment through SCL. Likewise, if more than one child is accepted into the program, the $600 Program Fee will be required for each child.
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GENERAL PROGRAM QUESTIONS:
Why do I have to pay a $600 program fee?
The program fee is your investment in your child's beautiful new smile as well as a pledge of you and your child's commitment to the time and effort required throughout this process. Likewise, when you pay the fee, you know that not only will your child benefit, but that you are also "paying it forward" to help the program be available to assist other children and families in the future.
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Can I make payments on the Program Fee?
No. At this time we cannot accept partial payments. The Program Fee must be paid in full within 30 days of notification of the child being assigned to a treatment provider. The Program Fee is a one-time, out-of-pocket fee.
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What if I can’t pay the Program Fee within 30 days?
If you are unable to pay the Program Fee within 30 days of notification of your child being assigned to a treatment provider, then your child will be placed back on the waiting list until another treatment slot becomes available. If your child is placed back on the waiting list, we cannot guarantee that another treatment slot will become available or that your child will be able to receive treatment. This is because the demand for assistance goes beyond our ability to ensure treatment for every child.
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Does having dental insurance help or hurt my child’s ability to receive treatment?
Dental insurance plays no part in the SCL treatment program. Likewise, you are not able to use your insurance to help pay the program fee. The Program Fee is a one-time, out-of-pocket fee.
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Can I still get braces if I have cavities?
No. You cannot be approved for the SCL program or get braces while you have unfilled cavities. However, once your cavities have been filled, you can apply (or reapply) to the SCL program. You must submit a new Dental Referral Form from your dentist, indicating the status of your cavities.
It is important to maintain excellent oral hygiene while you are awaiting treatment and throughout the treatment process. If we are able to assign you to a treatment provider, and find that you have developed cavities, you will have to remain on the waiting list until the cavities have been treated.
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Can I get Invisalign through Smiles Change Lives?
No. SCL only provides assistance for regular, metal braces.
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My child has been waiting a long time and hasn't seen a orthodontic provider yet. Is my child still in line for treatment?
Yes. Your child is still in line for treatment. Because the demand for our program is very high in several areas, the wait can be quite lengthy. Please check our Waiting List for the estimated waiting period in your area.
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QUESTIONS REGARDING PROVIDERS
Do you have any orthodontic providers in my area?
To see if SCL has any orthodontic providers in your area, please check our provider directory. Select your state from the drop-down list provided, and click “Search”. A list of providers in your state will be listed alphabetically by name.
SCL is actively recruiting providers throughout the nation. Even if you do not see a provider listed for your area, please submit your application. This will help us determine where to focus our recruitment efforts.
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I see that there is an orthodontic provider in my area. Why can’t my child go to that provider?
Due to the high number of children that are receiving treatment through SCL, the orthodontic provider in your area may not have availability to treat additional patients at this time. SCL orthodontic providers donate their time and services to treat children in our program and the number of children each provider can treat varies as children enter and exit the program.
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