For many women in welfare-to-work programs, facing a job interview may mean self-consciousness, embarrassment and pain as they attempt to hide decayed, missing and damaged teeth. Smiles for Success works to offer free dental services to women enrolled in these programs, as well as recent graduates, giving them the confidence and health improvements they need to become financially independent. The dental care offered is intended to be a short-term solution for those who need treatment that is unavailable through government programs or traditional insurance means. By providing cost-free dental care, as well as education from volunteer dentists, Smiles for Success helps women who have shown they are willing to help themselves, and encourages them to seek and maintain permanent dental care as they become financially stable.

As a 2009 Dental Trade Alliance Foundation grant recipient, Smiles for Success will work to coordinate programs with dentists in other cities, to expand the reach of the program. Funds will also help offset administrative costs and lab fees for dental work. While federal programs do offer some assistance for children, their offerings for adults are often lacking. DTAF is helping Smiles for Success bridge that gap with this 2009 grant.