Who We Are

Smile For a Lifetime Foundation is a charitable non-profit organization that provides free orthodontic care to individuals who may not have the opportunity to acquire assistance.

Launched in 2008, Smile For a Lifetime Foundation aims to reach individuals with financial challenges, special situations, and orthodontic needs. The Foundation sponsors the orthodontic care of hundreds of patients each year. Smile For a Lifetime Foundation has participating orthodontists throughout the US. Each chapter has its own local Board of Directors who choose patients treated by the Foundation.

Note: No fee is charged or collected by Montano Elevated Orthodontics. Our services are provided free of charge. The national organization does charge a small application fee and an administrative fee to sustain the program. Details available by clicking the “Apply Today” link below.

Our Mission

At Smile For a Lifetime Foundation, it is our mission to create self-confidence, inspire hope, and change the lives of children in our community in a dramatic way. The gift of a smile can do all this for a deserving, underserved individual who, in turn, can use this gift to better themselves and our community.

The Doctor

Dr. Donald Montano is a graduate of the University of California at San Francisco Dental School and the University of Washington Orthodontic School. He is the founder of the Bakersfield Regional Chapter of Smile For a Lifetime Foundation and also the President of Smile for a Lifetime’s national board.

Guidelines and Applying

Scholarships are limited and based on several factors:

• Family income of no more than (200%) of the federal poverty level.
• Applicant must be between the ages of 11 – 18.
• Have “good” dental hygiene practices and had a dental hygiene check-up in the past 6 months.
• Must have a functional and/or aesthetic need for braces.
• Must currently be enrolled in school.
• Must demonstrate a positive attitude.
• Must follow and abide by the treatment plan set forth by the orthodontist.

To apply for a scholarship, please go to www.s4l.org and click on the Apply Today link to get started. Scholarships are handled through the National Smile for a Lifetime Foundation. For more information about scholarships, please call the national office at 719-535-2777.

APPLY TODAY