Almost 200 free treatments gifted so far!
“The TO Smiles program has been a game changer for some of our students and families. Brilliant smiles and oral health can often feel out of reach. Knowing that TO gives back to our Denver community in so many ways, including supporting those without access to orthodontics to gain a smile for life is an incredible gift. I would highly recommend this program for any student in need – it will change their life for the better!”
TO Smiles Mission
TO Smiles believes that the gift of a smile can inspire hope, instill confidence, and cultivate goodwill. Every year through TO Smiles, we give 10-14 children in need completely free orthodontic care. The children also receive free general dental care from TO Smiles Board of Advisor Pediatric Dentists.
In return, during their free treatment, the smile recipients are required to complete a ‘Pay it Forward’ project of their own design that directly benefits other children. This cherished part of the TO Smiles program creates an exciting ripple effect of goodwill for young people in our community and fosters future service to others.
Do you know someone who should apply? Is someone in your circle of friends involved with an organization serving this same population of families who should know about TO Smiles? Help us spread the word!
We are very honored that TO Smiles was chosen as an official Health Partner of Denver Public Schools.
TO Smiles youth leaders, advisors, participating doctors, and recipients all believe deeply that when we use our gifts to help others, we make ourselves and the world around us better. The TO Smiles required Pay it Forward project proves this time and time again. Before they begin treatment, each recipient is asked to consider what they enjoy and what they have to offer. They create a volunteer project proposal explaining how they will use their skills in a way that benefits other children. The empowering message for them is clear: everyone can do something to help others! Their project must be 40 hours of total service time, but often, recipients report that they continue their work beyond those required hours.
Our recipients have created after-school chess clubs, facilitated clothing and school supply drives, organized reading programs for ESL students, and led demonstrations and presentations at schools on good oral hygiene, self-esteem, and nutrition, to name but a few. We get excited every year by the unique and impactful Pay it Forward projects, which are our recipient’s gift to our community.
Fun Fact
Dr. Theroux was given the Channel 7Everyday Hero Award for the TO Smiles Program (formerly called Smile for a Lifetime). We are really proud of this recognition of his ongoing commitment to giving back. Our doctors set an excellent example for the free braces recipients and our patient base as a whole.
Here are a couple of our recent Pay it Forward favorite memories.
Piper organized a charity drive for adolescents in area hospitals at Christmas. She helped gather and gift more than 500 items, including arts and crafts, movies, stuffed animals, blankets, games, bath and beauty products, gift cards, clothes, adult coloring books, games, and makeup bags. Piper said the project had a lasting impact on her, “It pushed me outside my comfort zone to send emails, set up this whole project, step into a leadership role, and remember the true meaning of Christmas, which is giving.”
Sam’s project helped educate and celebrate the diverse cultures and ethnicities at his school. Parents and children spent time together and shared experiences from when the adults were the kids. Sam told us in his Project Report, “The project was great because everyone learned about how people migrated here and what they had to struggle through to come to America. We then published their stories in a program called Write Our World. It is recorded in both English and their native language, like Somali. The way I benefited from this project was that I realized no matter what your struggle, you have to remain positive and welcome others because everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.”
"I got FREE braces from Dr. Theroux and Dr. Barefoot. I cannot thank them enough for this life-altering treatment. I had such a great experience at TO that I ended up working there and right now I am in the process of applying to dental school! I think you know who influenced me and wrote my letter of recommendation!"
Apply for FREE BRACES – email theresa.bakken@tosmiles.com with any questions
Click here for the Pay it Forward Project Instructions for Recipients
Click here for the Pay it Forward Project Instructions for Recipients in Spanish
TO Smiles serves children aged 11-18 who meet a financial need standard. The program accepts applications year-round. TO Smiles is under the direction of the TOgether Project, LLC (TOP for short). TOP’s Board of Directors are local high schoolers devoted to spreading goodwill and serving their community. TOP’s Board of Advisors are community leaders and professionals.
TOP’s Board members review TO Smiles applications and vote to select TO Smiles Finalists for free braces twice a year. TOP’s orthodontic providers at Total Orthodontics meet with each TO Smiles Finalist to evaluate orthodontic needs and give final approval to TO Smiles Recipients. Recipients are required to complete a Pay it Forward Project while in treatment.
Highlights :
Provides 10-12 sets of free braces annually, with a total value of approximately $90,000
Provides free pediatric and other specialty dental care for recipients
Through our Pay it Forward Program, our recipients donate 40 hours of their time to community service, benefitting hundreds of youth in our communities
We have been featured for our efforts on local ABC, NBC, and CBS news affiliates
Dr. Theroux was named a Channel 7Everyday Hero for his philanthropic efforts
Meet the TO Smiles Doctors
Our recipients are in good hands with Board Certified Orthodontists Dr. Kevin Theroux and Dr. Brooks Barefoot, the excellent staff at Total Orthodontics, and our generous pediatric dentists.
Total Orthodontics’ commitment to helping children in need has deep roots. For many years, the practice has been recognized for lifting up one child at a time, time and time again.
Meet the TO Smiles Pediatric Dental Providers
Ashley Barefoot, DDS Click here for the website
Marc Jones, DDS Click here for the website
Nick Miner, DMD, Click here for the website
Beth Nielsen, DDS Click here for the website
Jonathan Sierk, DDS Click here for the website
West Metro Pediatric Dentistry Click here for the website
Jennifer L. Thompson, DDS Click here for the website
Dr. Patrick Bowman Click here for the website
