Great Expressions to Introduce Dental Deputies to Support Victims of Domestic Violence

Nearly 60 Dental Center Locations in Metro Atlanta Will Partner with Local Schools to Collect Dental Hygiene Items during Domestic Violence Awareness Month

ATLANTA, GA. September 29, 2014 – Domestic violence is a critical issue in Georgia as more than 100 Georgians are killed annually in domestic violence related homicides. Many of the 7,800 victims who are able to escape to safety take refuge in local domestic violence shelters with just the clothes on their backs. The need for essential toiletries, including dental care products, is great within the local shelter network.

To aid victims in crisis, Great Expressions Dental Centers (GEDC) introduces its Dental Deputies program, a community-based initiative working with neighborhood preschools and day care centers including KinderCare and Rainbow Child Care Centers, to collect dental hygiene items to donate to victims in metro Atlanta shelters during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In addition to the items collected by the schools, GEDC will donate a matching item for every item collected. Participating schools will also receive free dental care education from their local GEDC dentist.

“We know that many victims staying in domestic violence shelters are women and children in need of basic resources,” said Richard Beckman, CEO of Great Expressions Dental Centers. “Children are in a crucial part of their dental development and need dental supplies to help prevent tooth decay. Our Dental Deputies program provides dental supplies to these women and children taking refuge in shelters. We cannot thank our community partners enough for their help.”

GEDC invites additional community partners to join the cause in 2014 in hopes of a successful inaugural year for the program. Schools and other organizations interested in supporting the Dental Deputies program should contact their local GEDC office. To find your local center, please visit www.greatexpressions.com.

About Great Expressions

For nearly 40 years, Great Expressions Dental Centers (GEDC) has been a leader in preventative dental care, orthodontics and specialty care with local offices in Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Virginia. One of the largest privately owned dental service organizations in the United States, GEDC is consistently recognized for contributions to improving oral health through quality and safety initiatives, affordable dental care services, patient convenience, research and more. For more information, go to www.greatexpressions.com.

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Contact:
Megan Susterich
Lambert, Edwards & Associates
616-233-0500
msusterich@lambert-edwards.com