07 April 2023

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Smile Generation dental practices launch fundraising campaign to support charity: water

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Smile Generation and its nationwide network of trusted dental practices has launched a two-month fundraising campaign to support charity: water, a non-profit organization that brings clean, safe drinking water to people in developing countries. The campaign, "Give Water, Give Health," runs April 1 – May 31 and is expected to raise at least $660,000. As of April 3, the campaign has raised $6,815. 

According to a news release, all funds raised go towards providing clean drinking water to vulnerable populations in Ethiopia through the construction of community-owned, sustainable and safe water sources built to last for generations.

Smile Generation has proudly partnered with charity: water since 2009 to fund water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs for rural communities around the world. The collective efforts from Smile Generation-trusted dental practices have brought clean drinking water to over 200,000 people in need in six countries.

According to charity: water, 771 million people in the world live without clean water, nearly one in 10 people worldwide. The majority live in isolated rural areas and spend hours each day walking to collect water for their family. Not only does the time walking for clean water keep children out of school and parents out of work, but the water can also be contaminated and often carries diseases such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and polio, according to the World Health Organization.

In Ethiopia, over 72 million people are living without basic access to safe drinking water. That's 68 percent—a majority of the population—in Ethiopia.

Smile Generation-trusted offices are supported by Pacific Dental Services (PDS), one of America's leading dental support organizations. Smile Generation connects consumers to trusted dentists who are dedicated to providing an exceptional patient experience and advanced clinical care. It also provides financial choices for patients and education about the connection between oral health and overall health, or what PDS and its supported practices call the Mouth-Body Connection®, while also working to be a force for good in the communities it serves.

"As we enter our 15th year of partnership with charity: water, this is a great opportunity to highlight the commitment our teams have to providing access to clean, safe drinking water," said Carli Kingsley, senior manager of corporate social responsibility at PDS. "Access to clean drinking water is a basic need. We understand the overall impact it has on communities and our overall health. When Smile Generation teams and the communities we serve come together to support this cause, we all benefit, becoming healthier and happier."

Scott Harrison, CEO of charity: water, said in the news release that when a community gains access to clean, safe drinking water, it changes everything.

"People are healthier, dignity is restored, and they can live prosperous, more beautiful lives," he said. 

Founded in 2006, charity: water has funded water projects in 29 countries around the globe - in Africa, Asia, Central and South America – serving 16.83 million people.

To find a Smile Generation-trusted dental practice participating in this campaign or make a donation, visit the campaign fundraising website. 

About Smile Generation

The Smile Generation connects patients to Smile Generation-trusted dentists who are dedicated to providing an exceptional patient experience and advanced clinical care. Smile Generation also provides financial choices for patients and education about the connection between oral health and overall health. The Smile Generation network spans more than 900 dental offices in 25 states. Smile Generation-trusted offices are supported by Pacific Dental Services®. For more information, visit us at smilegeneration.com or follow us on Facebook @smilegen, Instagram @smilegeneration, Twitter: @smilegen, YouTube: @SmileGenerationTV.

About charity: water

charity: water is a nonprofit on a mission to bring clean, safe drinking water to every single person on the planet. Here at charity: water, there are a few things that make us different: 100% of public donations fund clean water projects, we prove every project we build, and we work with strong local partners to build and maintain projects.