At Smiles for Success Foundation we give, so women gain

By Lindsay Abeln, Executive Director, Smiles for Success Foundation and AAWD

As we mark International Women’s Day 2026 and reflect on the Give To Gain campaign, we are reminded that gender equity is built by action, not theory.

Gender equity is often discussed in terms of leadership, pay equity, and access to opportunity. But for many women, equity begins with something far more basic: the ability to show up confidently, be seen without
judgement, and be given a fair chance to succeed.

At the Smiles for Success Foundation, what we give is more than dental care. We give women dignity, confidence, and the opportunity to move forward without barriers that too often stand between women and economic independence.

Members of the American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD), the Smiles For Success Foundation was formed to assist women in transition from welfare to work who cannot afford the cost of dental care.
 

We give confidence where it matters most

Established in 1995, Smiles for Success provides cost-free dental care to women participating in job readiness, workforce reentry, and employment transition programs. For women navigating these transitions, oral health can be a powerful obstacle.

Dental issues can affect how a woman is perceived in interviews, how she presents herself in professional settings, and how she feels about her own worth.

These barriers disproportionately impact women already facing economic, social, or systemic challenges, reinforcing inequity in subtle but persistent ways.

Through a simple, accessible process, women are matched with volunteer dentists who provide individualized treatment plans designed to restore oral health and confidence.

The impact extends far beyond clinical care.

"I no longer get stared at with disgust or judged for my appearance,” shared Crystal, a past Smiles for Success patient. “If I don’t get a job now, it will be because someone was better qualified — not because of my smile.”
 

At Smiles for Success we give

We give the chance to walk into an interview without fear.

We give the confidence to speak, smile, and connect.

We give the dignity of being evaluated for skills and potential, not circumstances.

Another patient, Monica, described advancing through the hiring process repeatedly, only to be dismissed once interviews moved from paper to face-to-face. Without access to dental care, she felt she was stuck in a cycle that had nothing to do with her abilities and everything to do with perception.

After receiving care through Smiles for Success, Monica regained the confidence to apply again. This time, she moved forward and secured employment. What changed was not her talent or experience, but her ability to show up fully and be seen without bias.

Smiles for Success is a program for women, by women, and with women. Care is provided by volunteer dentists from the American Association of Women Dentists, creating a powerful model of women supporting women.

These dentists give their time, expertise, and compassion, and they gain something meaningful in return.

“Being able to put the skills I’ve learned to such productive use was deeply rewarding,” shared Monica’s volunteer dentist. “Women helping women is a powerful idea, and I’m hooked.”
 

What we gain when we give

When volunteer dentists give their time and expertise, they gain renewed purpose in their profession. They gain connection to their colleagues and communities. They gain the opportunity to advance gender equity in tangible, practical ways.

When women receive care and regain confidence, they gain employment opportunities, financial stability, and the ability to advocate for themselves and their families.

When communities invest in women’s confidence and employability, they gain stronger workforces, more resilient families, and a more equitable economy.

Giving to women’s health is not charity. It is infrastructure for equity.
 

Join the call to give what we can

The Give To Gain campaign reminds us that giving is not one-directional. It is reciprocal. It creates movement. It builds momentum.

This International Women’s Day, we invite dental professionals, corporate partners, and supporters to consider what they can give in order to gain a more equitable future.

At Smiles for Success, we give care, compassion, and confidence. In return, we witness women stepping into opportunity on their own terms, and we see volunteers rediscovering purpose through service.
 

When we give to women, we all gain

We believe that one smile can help build a more equitable world.