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Straight Talk by Lindsay Resmer

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Resolution for the New Year
by Dr. Lindsay Resmer

One of my New Year’s resolutions always focuses on ways I can serve others. In 2008 I joined Smiles Change Lives (SCL) to do just that. Shortly thereafter, I began screening and treating SCL patients. I already had experience working with SCL during my residency at UMKC and was excited to bring it to my practice in Indiana. When I first looked into it, I would have needed to establish a chapter, do all the fundraising, and then determine which cases would be treated and assign them to orthodontists. Having just started a practice and a family, I wasn’t quite up to the challenge. Thankfully, SCL changed its protocol and everything is now handled by the organization. This was the perfect opportunity for me to get involved.

Being a new orthodontist in the middle of a recession, I was seeing the need firsthand. I had many patients not getting the treatment they needed because they couldn’t afford it. I treated several cases pro bono but it was always disconcerting to see them drive up in a brand new car a few months later or hear about their family trip to Disney World. I needed a way to make sure that I was helping the patients who really needed it and not become jaded in the process. As orthodontists, we love systems, and SCL gave me a way to systematically manage my charitable giving. It removes me from the process of judging my patients’ circumstances. Now when I see a patient who desperately needs treatment and the parents ask me what they can do because they can’t afford treatment at this time, I have an answer and can give them hope! I refer them to the SCL Web site where they can apply for treatment. SCL manages the application and screening process, determines eligibility and assigns them to an orthodontist. If they are referred from an outside source, SCL will make sure they get properly screened. I then, can rest assured that the family is truly deserving and motivated.

My SCL patients are some of my best. They fully realize the value of the treatment they are receiving and don’t take it for granted. I really see this as a win-win for all involved. We all know a beautiful smile is one of life’s greatest gifts and it is so rewarding to give to those who truly deserve it. Thank you SCL for helping us be better stewards in our profession and I look forward to working together in 2012!

To learn more about becoming an SCL provider in 2012, please visit www.smileschangelives.org/learnmore or e-mail provider@smileschangelives.org.
Author Bio
Dr. Lindsay Resmer specializes in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. She is a graduate of Indiana University School of Dentistry where she graduated with high distinction and was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon academic honor society. She completed her orthodontic residency at the University of Missouri Kansas City in 2005. She is board certified as a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.
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