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New Zealand Trust Transforms Teen Smiles Through Volunteering

A groundbreaking initiative in New Zealand is providing life-changing orthodontic treatment to young people from low-income families. Through the “Wish for a Smile Trust,” established by the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists, teens can receive essential dental care in exchange for community volunteer work, fostering self-esteem and giving back to society.

A Smile Earned Through Service

The “Wish for a Smile Trust” offers a unique opportunity for young New Zealanders aged 11 to 18 to receive orthodontic treatment that their families might otherwise be unable to afford. A key component of the program is the requirement for recipients to undertake 20 hours of community service. This not only helps them appreciate the value of the treatment but also instills a sense of civic responsibility.

  • The initiative addresses the lack of public funding for orthodontic care in New Zealand.
  • Participating orthodontists donate their time, expertise, and materials.
  • The program aims to improve self-esteem and confidence, which can significantly impact a child’s future.

Addressing Critical Dental Needs

Many young people face significant dental issues that go beyond cosmetic concerns, often leading to pain and difficulty with basic functions like eating. For example, one teen, Shiquitta, suffered from severe overcrowding and a bite discrepancy that caused her lower teeth to bite into the roof of her mouth. Her treatment plan involved extractions and 21-24 months of braces, followed by retention.

  • Orthodontic problems can be both functional and cosmetic, impacting a child’s physical and social well-being.
  • Cases like Shiquitta’s highlight the necessity of such programs, as her family had exhausted all options to afford the treatment.

Community Support Makes a Difference

The “Wish for a Smile Trust” relies heavily on the generosity of orthodontists nationwide. These specialists volunteer their services, equipment, and materials to provide high-quality care. The program also demonstrates the power of community support, as seen in other instances where public donations have funded critical dental work for children in need.

  • The trust was established in 2011 and continues to grow with the support of dedicated professionals.
  • The program ensures that treatment is provided by qualified, registered specialist orthodontists.

Impact on Young Lives

Orthodontic treatment can dramatically improve an individual’s self-esteem and confidence, paving the way for a more positive transition into adulthood and future careers. By providing access to this essential care, the “Wish for a Smile Trust” is not just straightening teeth; it’s helping to build brighter futures for New Zealand’s youth.

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Dr. Adriana Perez

BDS (Ven/Esp) | MDS-Orth (Arg)
 
Dr. Adriana Perez grew up in Caracas, Venezuela. She is one of the registered specialist orthodontist working at Shakespeare Orthodontics in Auckland.

 

In 2008, Adriana graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Santa Maria University in Caracas, Venezuela. After graduation, she worked in Venezuela in private practice, at the Orthopaedic Children’s Hospital (Dentistry/Orthodontics unit), and as a lecturer in the National Experimental University of the Armed Forces.

In the year 2011, Adriana moved to Argentina to specialise, gaining the Specialist Orthodontist degree from the University of Buenos Aires in 2013. While in Argentina, she worked as a part-time lecturer at the Orthodontics Department in the University of Buenos Aires, private practice, and at the Craniofacial Unit in the Paediatric Hospital Garrahan, looking after cleft lip new-born, children, and adolescent patients.

Adriana is a Spanish speaker. On her spare time she likes going to the beach, travelling, socialising with friends, playing video games, cooking, and going to the gym.

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Orthodontist Adriana Perez

Dr. Azza Al-Ani

BDS | DClinDent | MRACDS-Orth | MOrthRCSEd

Dr Azza Al-Ani, grew up in Christchurch, is a registered specialist orthodontist working at Shakespeare Orthodontics in Auckland. You can find her at one of the clinics in the city, or at their Takapuna clinic on the North Shore. 

In 2009, Azza graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery with Credit from the University of Otago.

She worked as a dental house surgeon at Auckland, Greenlane and Middlemore Hospitals; and as a dental officer at Sydney’s Westmead Hospital.

In 2012, she completed the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS) primary examinations.

Before commencing her specialist training, she held a part-time Professional Practice Fellow position at the Faculty of Dentistry, while working as a dentist in private practice.

In 2016, Azza graduated from the University of Otago with a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry in Orthodontics. She passed examinations to gain memberships into the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

She is also certified with the Australasian Orthodontic Board, and is a member of the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists, and the New Zealand Dental Association.

Azza’s area of research interest is hypodontia.
She has presented about this topic at the European Orthodontic Society Congress, and at the International Association Dental Research ANZ Scientific Meeting, and has been involved in the publication of numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals.

Outside of work, Azza loves spending time with her son and Mo (her husband), socialising with family and friends, overseas travel, and tries to keep up with Mo mountain biking.

Dr. Mo Al-Dujaili

BDS | DClinDent | MRACDS-Orth | MOrthRCSEd

Mo is a Specialist Orthodontist. He grew up in both New Zealand and Australia.

After completing a year in Health Sciences, and later physiotherapy, he qualified as a dentist in New Zealand. He spent the next four years working alongside his father in Sydney where he practised general dentistry. Mo then returned to Dunedin to specialise, gaining his specialist degree – Clinical Doctorate in Orthodontics from the University of Otago.

During the three years of specialist training, Mo had the privilege of learning from the best. The combined clinical and academic acumen of professors, doctors and staff provided an invaluable experience.

Meanwhile, Mo published and presented significant research and clinical cases at both national and international forums, including the International Association of Dental Research, the Australasian Begg Society of Orthodontics, the European Orthodontic Society and the New Zealand Dental Association conference.

A firm believer in maintaining high clinical standards, Mo successfully completed further examinations to become affiliated with the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) and the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (Sydney).

Mo is currently a part time senior lecturer at Auckland University of Technology, a Fellow of the World Federation of Orthodontists and also holds professional memberships with the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists, the New Zealand Dental Association and American Association of Orthodontists.

He has also been involved in the supervising and lecturing of students at the Auckland University of Technology.

Outside of work, Mo enjoys the precious time with his young family and the outdoors. He especially loves mountain biking, running, fishing, diving and, in winter, snowboarding.

Traveling along with his best friend and wife (Azza) around the world has also been a big part of Mo’s life. Mo is primarily based in Shakespeare Orthodontic’s city clinics and on the North Shore.

 
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