| Introduction |
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The ASO’s Give a Smile™ program is a goodwill concept initiated and sponsored by the Australian Society of Orthodontists.
On 4th September 2004, the ASO Federal Council enthusiastically received and officially sanctioned the proposal to proceed with the Give a Smile™ program as a fully recognised and supported ASO activity. Give a Smile™ is one of the world’s first community health assistance program developed by a professional association. The program’s purpose is to enable ASO Orthodontists to give a smile both figuratively and literally to people who are in great need of orthodontic care yet whose financial circumstances prevent them accessing treatment through the private health system. Give a Smile™ has been developed so that participating orthodontists can give back to the community in a real and tangible way: by delivering their special expertise to those in need and at the same time spreading goodwill in the community by volunteering their professional care and compassion. Each participating orthodontist provides a fellow Australian—who is a public patient—the very best in private orthodontic diagnosis and treatment… for free. Each Give a Smile™ orthodontist welcomes at least one patient per year into his/her practice. All work undertaken for every Give a Smile™ patient is done pro-bono and with the highest level of care and professionalism. The reward for Orthodontists participating in the Give a Smile™ program is the smile, confidence and self-esteem that they help give their patient. The ASO is extremely proud of the Give a Smile™ program and has pledged to pursue its growth and continuance with vigour, integrity and enthusiasm.  |
