So, how do you Give a Smile?

Eighteen years and over 2000 patients – that’s the raw data on Give a Smile (GAS). Dan Vickers is now the longest serving GAS Liaison Officer and looks after NSW.

ASO members have provided pro bono orthodontic treatment to over 2000 needy patients across the country since the program launched in 2005. This is quite remarkable and to those members we say a heartfelt thank you for your generosity – without your continued support, the program would not be possible. Dan has been a staunch supporter of GAS since its inception and says the program has come a long way since its humble beginnings.

“The public dental system was overloaded (and now after COVID, even worse) and only the very severe cases were ever likely to be treated through that. That left many people with untreated problems.”

“When I was asked to oversee the program in NSW, I was delighted to be able to help.

I felt that as orthodontists we could and should help those who are less fortunate.

Many orthodontists already occasionally provided treatment at no charge for families in need, and GAS was a wonderful way of formalising this.”

“It’s also important that the public, our dental colleagues, and government authorities see orthodontists giving of their time freely to help the disadvantaged,” Dan said. “As Liaison Officer I have no direct contact with the patients, but when I do need to phone a family, they are generally so appreciative of the opportunity, it reaffirms how important and valuable the program is.” “Once I spoke with a single mother of two children. She was trying to survive on a pension and her son was very much in need of orthodontic treatment. The malocclusion, although psychologically affecting her son, was not quite severe enough for treatment through the public system and she could not afford it on her own. When I confirmed that we could provide treatment at no charge through the GAS program she broke down in tears,” he said. Dan encourages those members who have not yet joined GAS to sign up by completing the ASO online form, or to contact their State Liaison Officerwith any questions. “Your only commitment is to take on one GAS patient every year – it sounds simple because it is and you’ll be amazed at not only how this helps a family in need, but also what it does for you and your practice team.” Dan said.