How to Apply

How to apply

Orthodontic Scholarship

Smile for a Lifetime is a nationwide program that aims to provide orthodontic treatment to children between the ages of 8 and 18 who may not have the means to afford care. Our dedicated team of specialists generously donates their time and expertise to the Smile for a Lifetime program with the goal of assisting underserved children and youth in their communities.

To begin the application process, there is a small fee of $20. Once the application has been reviewed and a participating orthodontist is assigned, a final payment of $480 will be charged. This fee helps covers the cost to keep the program up and running.  Once you are matched with an orthodontist, treatment is completely FREE.

Locations

Smile for a Lifetime is a national nonprofit that partners with orthodontists across the country who generously donate their services to help children in need. Once an application is submitted and meets our eligibility criteria, our team begins the process of locating a volunteer orthodontist in your local area.

We do not confirm provider availability upfront because we use multiple avenues to find orthodontists willing to participate in the program. While the average wait time is typically 6 to 12 months, it can vary depending on your location. Please do not call asking about providers in your area. 

Program Overview and Application Process

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Currently not wearing braces or a retainer.
• Applicants are ages 8 to 18 years old.
• Have “good” dental hygiene practices.
• Must be enrolled in school with a C average or above GPA.
• Must have a social impediment or moderate/severe need for braces.
• Family income must meet our financial guidelines (see guidelines above).

APPROVAL PROCESS: 

1. To apply for the Smile for a Lifetime program, all applicants must complete an online application on our website. The initial application fee is $20, which is non-refundable. Once your application is approved and an orthodontist is located, a final application fee of $480 will be due.
2. After submitting your application, you will have 30 days to provide all the necessary documentation. Failure to do so within the given time frame may result in your application being archived, requiring you to start the process over.
3. Once all the required documentation, including proof of income,  a current report card, a dental clearance form, a picture of the applicant’s teeth, a student essay, and a complete application, is submitted, your application will be pre-qualified.
4. Please note that being pre-qualified does not guarantee a scholarship. Smile for a Lifetime will then begin the process of finding an orthodontist in your hometown.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM NOTICE:
Our program offers a limited number of orthodontic scholarships each year, and unfortunately, not all applicants will receive one. Selections are made by a committee and consider many factors such as the availability of participating orthodontists in the area, the information received in the application, and much more, making this a highly competitive process. Also, please keep in mind that disrespectful behavior by the parents or child may lead to an application being denied.

Required Documentation from both parent’s:

Financial Qualification – To qualify for our program, your total household annual gross income must be at or below our financial guidelines (available above). We do not accept zero-income submissions.  Foster parents are not required to submit proof of income but will need to provide legal documentation that the child is activley in foster care. 

• Needed Financials (Both Parent’s)

• 1. Record of Account Transcript – Submit a “Record of Account Transcript” from the IRS. This is required even if you are not required to file taxes. Visit IRS.gov to create an account and download this specific transcript (there are four types—please ensure you select the “Record of Account Transcript”). Only unaltered documents will be accepted.

  2. Federal Tax Return – Provide a signed copy of your 2024 federal tax return, including all pages, schedules and attachments. We need a copy of the actual return, not an IRS transcript. Your child must be listed on your return. We cannot move forward without an actual return from both parent’s.

  3. Additional Documents – Include any relevant documents such as social security disability, VA or death benefit letters, child support statements, inheritance funds, etc.

     For Non-Parental Guardians:

  • Submit authorization to make medical decisions for the child.
  • For children in state custody (foster care) a letter showing the child is in state cutody is needed, along with a copy of the child’s state medical card and medical consent form.

• DENTAL CLEARANCE – To be completed and returned by the child’s dentist. Hover over the Dental Clearance words in orange to download form. 
• PICTURES – Closeup photos of teeth taken from your phone. Hover over the Pictures words in orange for directions.
• STUDENT ESSAY– The student essay is an important part of the approval process. And Parents, please do not write this essay for your child. It should be handwritten by your child. Hover over the Student Essay words in orange to dowload the form. 
• REPORT CARD – Please submit a recent report card showing a C average or above GPA; recent grades will prove enrollment in school. If homeschooled, please show proof of education. 

Please return all documents by email to info@SmileForALifetime.org or by fax at 719-312-6000.

US. Applications only apply if you are in the United States.

Start Application
Final Payment Only

We are currently NOT accepting new applications in Canada. Please check back in 6 month