Eckels forms dental group

VIENNA - A local orthodontist has pulled together a group of local dental and business leaders to form a non-profit organization that will offer orthodontics and dental work to underprivileged children in the Mid-Ohio Valley with Smile for a Lifetime.

"We plan to offer free orthodontic treatment to 24 children per year - two per month," said orthodontist Dr. Scott Eckels. "And because most orthodontic patients need oral surgery and regular dental care, we hope to provide that, too."

Eckels said he decided to start the local chapter of Smile for a Lifetime, which is in 22 states, because he wanted to do more for the community.

"I have always provided some pro bono treatments and reduced rates for several patients each year, but it has been my intent for a while that I could and should give more," he said.

Eckels decided to research the best possible way of helping the children of the area that need it most and found the non-profit Smile for a Lifetime.

"It is perfect and exactly what I want for my patients and for the community," he said.

While the organization is in nearly half of the nation's states, Eckels said all of the money donated to the local chapter will stay with the local chapter.

"One-hundred percent of the money donated here goes to children in our six county coverage area," he said. "Every single penny we get will go to the children."

The six counties of operation are Wood, Wirt and Pleasants in West Virginia and Washington, Morgan and Noble in Ohio.

"These are the counties where the majority of my patients live and I know there are a large number of underserved children in each," Eckels said.

While Eckles is the founder of the chapter, he will not be making the decision as to who gets the scholarships.

"I have put together a board of directors who will make the decisions as to who is most deserving or in need of the scholarships," Eckels said. "Smile for a Lifetime is not about me; it's about the kids."

The board is made up of dentists, oral surgeons and business leaders from the Parkersburg and Marietta areas. They will meet twice a year to go over the applications and decide who will receive the aid.

For consideration, children must be between 7 years old and 18 years old and families must fill out an application and provide a photo of the child smiling with teeth showing, two letters of reference, verification of the family's income and a W-2 or a copy of the most recent pay stub.

"I know it seems like a lot, but we need as much information as we can get to make sure we are giving treatment to those who need it most," Eckels said. "It is my vision, my hope, that we can provide hundreds and hundreds of deserving children with smiles for a lifetime."

For more information, contact Eckels' office at 304-422-6477.