Local Kids Receive ‘The Gift of a Smile’

It’s that time of year again — the time for the Smile for a Lifetime Foundation Novato/San Rafael Chapter to choose children to benefit from “the gift of a smile” and receive free orthodontic care. 

The Novato/San Rafael Smile for a Lifetime Chapter was launched in 2008 to reach individuals with financial challenges, special situations and orthodontic needs. , DDS, MSD, a Novato orthodontic specialist, spearheaded organizing the non-profit organization’s North Bay chapter.

Applicants must be children, ages 10 to 17, whose family income does not exceed 200 percent of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ poverty guidelines. Board members for the local foundation will choose the recipients and care will be provided by Dr. Wilson.

"Our mission at Smile for a Lifetime is to create self-confidence, inspire hope and changes the lives of children in our community with the gift of a smile,” Dr. Wilson said.

Dr. Wilson’s office is at 7250 Redwood Blvd. in Novato. “Dr. Don” is an orthodontic specialist.  He graduated from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Wash., and completed his dental degree at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco. He completed his orthodontic residency and master’s degree at Indiana University.

Oral surgeon Mahr Elder, MD, DDS in oral and maxillofacial surgery, and Kim Vogee of Marin Orthodontics, also donate services.

Find the Smile for a Lifetime Novato/San Rafael Chapter on Dr. Wilson's Facebook page. The application with instructions is available here. 

Deadline for scholarship applications is Wednesday, June 13.  Letters of recommendation are needed and can
come from neighbors, dentists, teachers, etc. Photos of the applicants’ teeth are also required.

Applicants will be notified by Aug. 15 if they are proceeding to the next phase of the application process.  For more
information, call 415-878-0240 or email info@wilsonortho.com.