Featured project

Smiles for America

Dean Lodding of Smile for Life Dental in Elgin, IL and Dr. Debra Gray King of Atlanta Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Atlanta, GA are spearheading Smiles for America, a new program giving 50 heroes in 50 states something that should never be taken for granted—a smile.  Both have been overwhelmed by the positive response from cosmetic dentists across the USA. Recipients, in all 50 states, have begun the process to receive their new smiles by September 11th, 2021.

Debra Gray King, has dedicated her life’s work to designing smiles that help people build confidence, fuel success, and bring added joy to their lives. Dr. King was especially touched by the story of Atlanta firefighter Kurt Vermillion. Kurt, a firefighter since 2010. Vermillion has wanted his teeth corrected for as long as he can remember, but the costly procedure was never an option. Due to this, he always “smiled” with his mouth closed. Unable to afford a permanent solution in his young life, he settled on a quick, inexpensive fix which he self-consciously wore for years. He recalled at his one-year anniversary dinner with his wife how she learned for the first time about his insecurity. While biting into a piece of bread, the dentistry in the front of his mouth broke into pieces, leaving him without a front tooth. Now, with his smile being transformed as part of this exciting program, he looks forward to smiling with confidence.

“I am honored to be a part of providing our American heroes across the country the freedom to smile with confidence. Doing good for Kurt and so many others through Smiles for America is a wonderful way to say thank you for all they do for us.”, explains Dr. Debra King.

“This opportunity is giving me something I never thought I would achieve. For 30 years I have been “hiding” my teeth when I smile and now, I am able to smile with confidence.”, explains Atlanta firefighter Kurt Vermillion. Kurt continues, “I will have to learn how to smile again, and I will forever be grateful, thanks to Dr. King and Smiles for America.”

In the press