Local Orthodontic Practice Announces Free Orthodontic Care to be Awarded to 8 Children in Need

The smile of a child is known to light up a room; however, some children never get to experience that feeling. Some are ashamed of their smiles and carry that burden with them into adulthood. Dr. Michael Hess and Dr. Toby VanLandschoot are working to change that. Through Smile for a Lifetime Foundation, they are providing the gift of a beautiful smile to children who need it most. They are proud to announce their new chapter; The Hess & VanLandschoot Orthodontics Branch of Smile for a Lifetime-Hillsborough & Manatee County, will provide eight scholarships to recipients in the Riverview, Lithia, Apollo Beach, and Parrish areas.

Founded in 2008, the Foundation is a charitable non-profit organization that provides orthodontic care to individuals who may not have the opportunity to acquire assistance. The Foundation is built on the principal of creating self-confidence, inspiring hope, and changing the lives of children in a dramatic way. They believe that the gift of a smile can do all this for a deserving individual who can use this gift to better themselves and their community.

“Our goal is to reach children in our communities who have not had the opportunity to get orthodontic help because of income, parents with illness or other family issues that may put the need for braces on the back burner,” Marketing Director, Samantha McGuire stated. Local care is provided by Dr. Michael Hess and Dr. Toby VanLandschoot of the Riverview, Lithia, Valrico, Apollo Beach, Brandon and Parrish areas. Collectively the doctors will award 8 scholarships in 2017.

“By improving the smiles and self-confidence of a child today, it will have an impact on them for the rest of their lives,” commented Dr. Hess.

Any child over the age of 12 is eligible to apply for a scholarship from the Foundation, which will provide orthodontic services from beginning to end. Each applicant must fill out an application, provide letters of recommendation, prove to be a responsible individual and show how they’ve participated in community. Approximately two scholarships are given out quarterly. Applications are being accepted until March 31st for the first quarter of 2017, but applicants are encouraged to apply year round and to re-apply if they don’t get selected in the initial process.

“The Foundation allows us to streamline the process of helping those in need and we’re able to reach more people this way,” explained Dr. VanLandschoot. “It’s extremely rewarding for both Dr. Hess and I and our team as well.”

If you, or someone you know, in the Hillsborough or Manatee County areas could benefit from the gift of a smile, details and an application can be found at the Hess & VanLandschoot Orthodontics website, www.hessorthodontics.com. This is open to the following cities and surrounding locations: Riverview, Lithia, Valrico, Brandon, Apollo Beach, and Parrish, Florida.

The Hess & VanLandschoot Orthodontics team is proud to help improve the lives of these patients with bigger and brighter smiles. They have committed themselves to connect with patients and enhance their lives by bringing outstanding services right to their neighborhood. A recipient of the Bright House Networks Small Business of the Year award, Hess & VanLandschoot Orthodontics is a community-based business that has helped thousands of people enhance and perfect their smiles since its beginning over 10 years ago. This team of highly skilled professionals pride themselves on giving premium patient care in a comfortable environment and helping change communities in significant ways.

Questions regarding the Smile for a Lifetime program in Hillsborough and Manatee Counties can be emailed to sam@hessorthodontics.com.

For more information please contact Samantha McGuire at Hess & VanLandschoot Orthodontics.

813-645-4377. Main Office – 11970 Boyette Road, Riverview, FL 33569. www.hessorthodontics.com/new-patients/smile-for-a-lifetime.