Dr. Howard Shullman of Shullman Orthodontics in Wellington is stepping up in a major way to donate braces to kids in the community through the nonprofit Smiles Change Lives.
On May 18, Shullman will be holding a Screening Day to screen all the children in the area who are currently waiting to receive braces through the nonprofit program.
Smiles Change Lives is a national nonprofit that helps kids get braces who could not otherwise afford them. On average, braces cost $6,000 per child, making them out of reach for many hardworking families. Further, orthodontic treatment has long been considered cosmetic by insurance companies, providing little assistance, even for those that are insured.
As a result, many children and teens suffer unnecessary discomfort and embarrassment from misaligned teeth. Smiles Change Lives’ mission is to provide these families with the opportunity to provide their children with braces through its network of more than 800 orthodontists in the United States and Canada.
Shullman has been treating kids through Smiles Change Lives since 2010. With many kids on the waiting list to be treated through the Smiles Change Lives program, Shullman has committed to help clear out the wait list by agreeing to treat at least 25 qualified children, which is approximately $150,000 in donated services.
“The demand for our program in this area of Florida has far exceeded the number of orthodontists we have in our network,” said Alexis Barclay, director of provider services for Smiles Change Lives. “Dr. Shullman’s dedication to treat the children waiting to receive braces is truly life changing for these kids.”
To qualify for the program, a child must be between the ages of 7 and 21, have good oral hygiene, not be wearing braces currently, have a moderate to severe need for braces, and meet certain financial guidelines (e.g., for a family of four, the household income must be below $61,500). Families should contact info@smileschangelives.org to learn more.
To date, Smiles Change Lives and its network of orthodontists have helped more than 13,000 kids receive braces in the United States and Canada. Learn more at www.smileschangelives.org.
Shullman was born and raised in Miami. He received his undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering at the University of Florida. He stayed in Gainesville to earn his doctorate of dental medicine. He later continued his orthodontic training at Nova Southeastern University.
Shullman is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and South Florida Academy of Orthodontists. As an active member in the community, Shullman supports and contributes to local schools, and he is frequently invited to speak with classes to educate the children on oral hygiene.
Shullman and his wife Deanna live in Wellington with their three daughters, Maddie, Emma and Kate. He enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, boating, hiking, skiing and traveling. For more information, visit www.shullmanortho.com.
