About Us
Give Back a SmileDr. Bernal is a volunteer for the AACD's Give Back A Smile (GBAS) program. The program helps heal the effects of domestic violence by providing free consultation and dental treatment to restore the smiles and the lives - of survivors of domestic violence.
Through the Give Back A Smile program, AACD members like Dr. Bernal assist survivors by treating their dental injuries that were sustained from domestic violence, so that they may reclaim their smiles, their self-esteem and, ultimately, their lives.
How the Program Works
Domestic violence survivors who have suffered dental injuries from abuse from a former intimate partner or spouse can contact GBAS toll-free at: 1 (800) 773-4227.
Survivors must make an appointment with a counselor, domestic violence advocate, social worker or therapist to complete the advocate section of the GBAS application. GBAS conducts the initial review of the application however the dentist has the final say as to the eligibility of the applicant.
If eligible, the AACD connects the survivor with a local GBAS volunteer who provides treatment at no charge to the recipient.
Helping the Community by Helping Others
Because more than five million people are affected by domestic violence every year in the United States and Canada, there is clearly a need for a program like Give Back A Smile to help survivors rejuvenate their lives through the caring hands of a local dentist. Dr. Bernal is committed to helping fulfill this need in the San Jose area.
In July 2001, the AACD was one of only eight organizations in the world to receive the Award of Excellence and the prestigious Associations Advance America Summit Award for its GBAS program. The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), of Washington, D.C, sponsors this yearly national competition to recognize the charitable organizations that make the most effort to advance American society. To date, Give Back A Smile has restored the smiles of more than 500 domestic violence survivors for a total dollar value of over $4 million.
For complete details about the Give Back A Smile program, visit www.givebackasmile.com or call toll-free: 800.543.9220. Those interested in finding help with the Give Back A Smile program can also visit the Web site, call the National Hotline: 800.773.GBAS, or send an e-mail to givebackasmile@aacd.com.