Give Back A Smile: Santa Barbara Dentist Volunteers Dental Services

Santa Barbara, CA, March 12, 2015: Santa Barbara cosmetic dentist, Dr. B.K. Rai of Santa Barbara Dental Spa recently participated in a program designed to restore hope, confidence and self-esteem for adults who have suffered dental injuries from domestic and sexual violence. Sponsored by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation (AACDCF), the Give Back a Smile (GBAS) program heals some of the most devastating effects of domestic and sexual violence by restoring the smiles of adults who have suffered dental injuries to their front teeth as the result of a violent act by an intimate partner, spouse, or family member, or due to sexual assault.

Many victims of domestic violence or sexual assault often suffer from emotional and physical injuries. When violence leads to lost teeth, it can cause permanent disfigurement and result in a loss of self-confidence. Generous AACD members such as Dr. Rai restore victims' smiles while waiving the dental treatment costs.

These patients do not usually have the financial means to pay for the cost of cosmetic dentistry. For many, the program can signify the beginning of a life transformation. To participate in the program, prospective patients must meet all criteria and complete a Patient Application. Patients must be eighteen or older, must be out of all abusive relationships or live in a separate family home for at least one year, and must meet with a domestic violence/sexual assault advocate, social worker, counselor, minister, therapist or doctor at least once, to complete the application. To encourage investment in their dental treatment and to add a sense of value for the "gift" they may receive, all applicants are also required to either pay a $20 application fee or complete 10 hours of community service prior to application submission.

Dr. Rai states that he is honored to have this opportunity to donate his time, expertise, and specialized training to give back to Santa Barbara in such a meaningful way. "As a painless dentist I treat a wide variety of patients who come to me looking for some way to improve their appearance and feel better about themselves. I'm happy to do what I can to help patients in the 'Give Back A Smile' program."

About Santa Barbara Dental Spa: Located at 2017 Chapala Street A, cosmetic dentist Dr. B.K. Rai of Santa Barbara Dental Spa provides patients with oral health care and restored smiles in a relaxed spa environment. Services available from this Santa Barbara dental office include crowns and bridges, dental implants, porcelain veneers, and oral surgery. Visit the website at http://www.sbdentalspa.com to learn about the average cost of porcelain veneers and to access the "Quick Appointment Form." "Like" the Facebook page for dental tips. Call 805-560-9999 for more information on dental treatment costs.