A SMILE
FOR KIDS
A Smile For Kids is a nonprofit organization providing free and affordable braces to underserved kids in Oregon
February 21, 2023 Update:
The new Oregon Health Plan/Medicaid Orthodontic benefit (braces) took effect on January 1, 2023, for OHP Members under 21 years old.
For anyone under 21 years of age who are also a member of the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) – this is your opportunity to check if you qualify for braces through Oregon’s new Medicaid program.
Start by contacting your primary care dentist to setup an appointment for a Medicaid orthodontic evaluation OR call your Dental Care Organization by finding their phone number here: Dental Care Organization (DCO). The process is new so please expect a few bumps in the road.
In addition, if you are 17 years or younger, start in the same place as above. If you have completed an orthodontic evaluation with a dentist and you do not qualify for braces through the state Medicaid benefit then we encourage you to complete the ASK program application here.
Your dentist will just need to send a brief email the ASK program manager, Diane Lee at dianel@asmileforkids.org or make a quick call to 541-233-7607 explaining why you do not qualify for the Medicaid benefit.
Before you apply for assistance with braces through ASK, please check out the Qualifications for Applying and Program Requirements further down on this page.
Kind regards,
Christian Moller-Andersen
Exec. Director, A Smile for Kids
What We Do
A Smile For Kids removes the obstacle of crooked teeth by providing orthodontic treatment to under-served Oregon children throughout Oregon. A Smile For Kids has a specific focus on helping those kids that are suffering from ridicule and bullying due to the look of their teeth and lack the resources for “braces” without the assistance of A Smile For Kids.
Qualifications for Applying
The child needs to be 11-17 years of age, have a severe need for braces, is without financial resources for treatment, has good oral hygiene habits, and will be living in their current community for a minimum of 2 years. In addition, a professional referral from an adult other than a relative will be contacted to verify that the child is suffering from low self-esteem due to the look of their teeth.
Program Requirements
In addition to orthodontic treatment requirements, all recipients are required to have grades of a "C" or above and volunteer 4 hours per month in their community during the entire treatment time.
How Are We Funded
A Smile For Kids is funded through a combination of discounted services from our partnering orthodontist and generous donations from corporate and private donors. A Smile For Kids does not receive state or federal dollars.
1200+
kids have received orthodontic treatment.
90
Orthodontic clinics partner with ASK.
94
percent of ASK kids graduate high school (2014-2018).
1000+
average hours of monthly volunteer service completed by ASK kids.
Sign Up for Updates and Newsletters