Our mission is to provide dental care to women who are overcoming their trauma, whether it be sexual abuse, drug addiction, homelessness or other types of major adversity. We are here to help when they have no other place to turn to.
We are a non-profit organization based in Evanston, IL, dedicated to restoring smiles and confidence, giving individuals the physical and emotional healing they deserve.
In 2021, My Smile Within was endorsed by the Chicago Dental Society (CDS).
Watch our patient testimonials by clicking on the testimonial tab.
How it works.
3 steps:
A community leader refers a patient to us. We send the patient an application to fill out and evaluate our ability to help.
Patients who are successfully matched with a participating dentist are arranged a time to start treatment. They pay only what they can afford. No care is denied due to financial constraints.
After successful treatment, patients are asked for their consent to share their testimony in order to help others. This may include social media and fundraising.
Organizations We Work With
YWCA
Peer Services
Sarah’s Circle
Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault
My Smile Within Club at Glenbrook South High School
Letter to our patient, River
After watching the videos of River’s testimony at a club meeting, the club wrote letters of encouragement to her. They praised her for her courage in sharing her story and the source of inspiration she has been for us all.
Fall Bake Sale 2022
My Smile Within club hosted multiple bake sales throughout fall and winter of 2022 to raise funds to complete River’s dental treatment. Thank you to all the students who supported the bake sale! River’s Before and After video comparison is posted on our youtube channel.
Poster for Sexual Assault Awareness Month
The club made this poster in April of 2022 to spread awareness of sexual assault and act as a resource to the school community.
“What makes you Smile?” Display
The club created a display asking students what makes them smile to address how so many women are denied the ability to smile due to having suffered sexual assault. We offered information on the services My Smile Within provides and the goals of the organization.
Poster for Homelessness Awareness Month
In November 2022, My Smile Within created a poster for the school to create awareness for the effects of homelessness. We shared it with the Glenbrook South Community and it helped bring awareness to many of the struggles that our patients face.
Donation Drive for WINGS Program
In the month of December, My Smile Within partnered with WINGS Program, an organization fighting against domestic abuse, with an “In-kind” donation drive for the most requested necessities. We donated housing essentials such as cleaning supplies, toiletries, and school supplies.
Mirror Tile Display
My Smile Within members decorated a collaborative mural with individual mirror tiles featuring creative designs and positive messages. The purpose of this display was to spread words of encouragement to the Glenbrook South students. This project is displayed in Glenbrook South’s Student Activity Center!
Appreciation Cards to Dental Workers
My Smile Within collaborated with Meraki Club, a service based art club, to create heartfelt cards for dental workers to show appreciation for all they do. Meraki club members created colorful cards and My Smile Within members wrote sweet messages that expressed gratitude.
Send a Smile Event
This year, My Smile Within ran a schoolwide program to raise funds and spread joy in our community. As a club, we made and sold smile-shaped cards for students and staff members to write positive notes for their friends. All proceeds went directly to helping individuals on their dental care journey. “Send a smile” was a huge success and we hope to raise more from it in the years to come!
FAQs
Why is the application process so time-consuming?
We have limited resources and want to ensure we provide the best possible care to each individual. While we strive to help as many people as we can, we also ask applicants to consider the time and services we can offer. If they truly need assistance, we believe they will understand the importance of providing complete and thorough information in the application, which helps us assess their needs more effectively.
Why does a patient need to be referred? Why can’t they refer themselves?
A referral ensures that resources are used effectively and reduces no-shows, which can strain our services. Community leaders, who know the individual personally, can vouch for their need for care and commitment to following through. This process helps prevent conflicts of interest and ensures that support is directed to those who truly need it.
Why is it not free?
Pro bono work can be costly for dental offices. We aim to cover the overhead expenses like staff salaries and the cost of dental equipment used during treatment. However, our core principle is that no one is denied care due to financial limitations. We ensure everyone receives equal care, asking patients to pay only what they can afford.
How do you determine how much a patient pays?
After a patient has been successfully matched with a dentist, they will go through a comprehensive exam at the dental office where they will arrive a treatment plan. At this meeting, they will find out the normal cost of treatment, and we will apply sliding scale discounts. Patients will submit their most recent tax returns to determine how much they can pay.
How do you decide who gets help and doesn’t?
We are only the administrator in matching up a patient with a dentist. We don’t make the health related decisions in who receives care. It is often a matter of dentists and resources available at the moment.
Do treatment plans differ based on the patient's economic status?
No, regardless of a patient's financial or economic status, they will receive equal care. Rest assured that these factors do not play a part when we assess our ability to help.
Why have patients tell their stories?
My Smile Within’s mission is to help individuals receive the dental care that they otherwise may not receive. Community leaders refer those in need, while dentists offer the necessary treatments. To continue this cycle of support, patients are encouraged to share their stories. By doing so, they help raise awareness and inspire others to seek the dental care they deserve.
What do you recommend for people who are not matched up?
We will refer them to a network of other dental organizations through Chicago Dental Society. This includes: Dental Lifeline Network and CDS Foundation Clinic.