The UMKC School of Dentistry Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics has partnered with Smiles Change Lives to provide access to life-changing orthodontic treatment to children from families that cannot afford the full cost of braces.

Smiles Change Lives, originally the Virginia Brown Community Orthodontic Partnership, has treated more than 16,000 children since 1997, when they initially partnered with the dental school, and has emerged as the nation’s leader in providing access to orthodontic care for qualified youth.

This July, orthodontic residents renewed the partnership and began treatment for six patients, selected by Smiles Change Lives.

Hear from Erin Cahil, star of multiple Hallmark films, about the organization’s mission and how you can get involved here.