Between October 13 and October 15, athletes of all abilities can help survivors of domestic and sexual violence receive life-changing smile restorations by taking part in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation (AACDCF) Virtual Race for Smiles. Participants can run or bike, engage in yoga, or get physical however else they want while wearing their official Race for Smiles t-shirt to commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The event will benefit the AACDCF’s Give Back a Smile (GBAS) program, which restores the damaged smiles of survivors of domestic and sexual violence. One in every 4 women is a victim of domestic violence, according to the AACDCF, and 75% of battering occurs to the head and face, resulting in many dental injuries. The program has restored more than 1,700 smiles across the country and is looking to help more survivors.
“The Virtual Race for Smiles is a great opportunity for communities around the world to raise awareness of some of the devastating effects of domestic violence,” said Lisa Fitch, AACDCF director. “In addition, by registering for the event, participants help those who have received dental injuries due to the violence get life-changing smile restorations through the Give Back a Smile program.”
Participants can post photos of themselves in workout mode on the GBAS Facebook page and other social media with the hashtag #RaceForSmiles2017 to be eligible for a great prize, the AACDCF reports. They also can email photos to givebackasmile@aacd.com. Sponsorships are available as well. Dentists and dental laboratories who would like to volunteer their services in treating survivors also are welcome.
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