Smiles in the Community
 ISSUE: Cherokee Living July-August 2005
DEPT: Cover Story
HEAD: ”Smiles in the Community“ Receives National Attention from Discovery Health Channel
WRITER: Tracy Curtis
WORDS: 930
Thanks in part to the success of ABC's hit program Extreme Makeover, the general
public's awareness level of dental esthetics has been raised greatly. This phenomenon
is proof that anything is possible when people want to improve their looks.
Dr. Scott Harden, a cosmetic and restorative dentist, has been helping people in
Towne Lake, Woodstock and Acworth improve their smiles for more than 15 years. A financial
supporter of local clubs and civic organizations, Harden had a dream to give something
even greater to his community. So he and his staff at Fountain View Family Dentistry created
”Smiles in the Community,“ a makeover program which provides confident, life-changing smiles
for deserving individuals in Cherokee County. ”I have had the opportunity over my professional
career to complete a large number of smile restorations. I am continually amazed by the
changes people experience after receiving their treatment. A smile can be a precious asset
that can open career doors and raise self-esteem,“ says Harden.
”Smiles in the Community“ began last year with the first recipient, Jimmy Smith, whose story
is so compelling that it drew the attention of Discovery Health Channel. The show will air in
July 2005 featuring Smith's smile makeover story.
Meet Jimmy Smith
Smith was born deaf and with an underdeveloped chin. He adapted to his disability by
learning to communicate with sign language. Smith was teased mercilessly as a child for his
yellowed, crooked chipped teeth and his chin. For Smith, his physical appearance was far more
of a handicap than the fact that he was deaf. Harden quickly realized that completing Smith's
smile makeover would take more than dental work. Harden contacted plastic surgeon Dr. Brian
Maloney to correct Smith's underdeveloped chin. Together, Harden and Maloney gave Smith a smile
that would change his life.
The Makeover and Treatment-Step by Step
Tears and hugs were abundant as Harden and his team informed Smith and his family that he
had been chosen for the first ”Smiles in the Community“ makeover. A cosmetic smile assessment
was the first step. Harden stresses the importance of dentist and patient agreeing on the
treatment options as well as the desired outcome. ”Our goal is to clearly understand a patient's
needs-then deliver what the patient desires. Happiness is when reality meets expectations.“
During the initial cosmetic consultation, Smith expressed his goals for improving his
appearance. This in itself presented unique challenges in communication. With the help of
Smith's family, Harden's staff was able to formulate the vision of Smith's new smile through
sign language. A combination of study models, diagnostic photos and X-rays were taken. Compton
Dental Laboratory, located in Powder Springs, fabricated the models that created Smith's desired smile.
Using the latest technology in digital photography and computer software coupled with
simulated study model analysis, images and models were presented to Smith and his family along
with a customized DVD presentation. ”Thanks to advancements in modern dental care, patients now
have a wide variety of options available to create a dazzling smile. The DVD provides patients
with more awareness of their current situation and treatment options, educating them to make
treatment decisions,“ Harden explains.
Harden and Smith decided on a comprehensive treatment plan for Smith's cosmetic smile makeover
that included a combination of six porcelain crowns, 12 Compton veneers and two fixed bridges to
achieve his ideal smile and tooth color. Smith was ecstatic with the projected outcome. He asked
excitedly in sign language, ”When can we start?“
When his dental treatment began in November 2004, Smith knew multiple appointments would be a
part of the process. ”Cosmetic dental treatment may require one step in our office or multiple
visits with a team of specialists. Whatever the case, Fountain View Family Dentistry takes special
care to ensure our patients receive dental treatment that is both functional and what the patient
desires cosmetically,“ explains Harden. Smith was kept very comfortable during these visits, with
a variety of special spa-like amenities, such as DVD movies, aromatherapy, warmed blankets, neck
cushions and warm scented towelettes.
A Changed Man
When his dental work was complete, Smith saw Maloney for chin enhancement surgery. After just
a few weeks of healing time, the physical changes to his smile were truly remarkable. Gone are the
crooked teeth and underdeveloped chin that plagued him as a child. His new smile is overflowing
with joy and confidence. ”Though the physical changes to his smile and appearance are breathtaking,
the true change is evident in Jimmy's spirit. He now stands tall with pride and confidence and
smiles freely for the first time in his life,“ Harden observes. The smile makeover he received
gratis through the ”Smiles in the Community“ program will leave a lasting mark on Smith's life.
”Smiles in the Community“ Goes On
The success of Smith's makeover has touched the hearts of everyone at Fountain View Family
Dentistry. According to Harden, the practice will continue its local outreach with the ”Smiles
in the Community“ program. ”Jimmy Smith has provided me and my entire staff far more goodwill
than we ever could have provided to him. We were able to provide Jimmy with a new level of satisfaction
in life, and there is simply no better feeling than helping another human being.“
Dr. Scott Harden, an active member of the American Dental Association, the Georgia Dental
Association, and the Northwest District Dental Association, can be reached at 770-926-0000. As an
expert in the field of restorative and cosmetic dentistry, he serves as a restorative director for
two area study clubs and is a frequent contributor to various dental publications. |
