As OHP doesn't cover orthodontic treatment for youths in Oregon, there is a significant amount of youths with handicapping malocclusion who are not able to receive the medically necessary treatment. This means that any child who suffers from severe orthodontic needs which impair eating, sleeping, breathing, and speaking must raise an average of $6,000 (that is if there are no complications) to receive corrective orthodontic treatment. A Smile for Kids fills that gap by serving Oregon's excluded populations. ASK requires participants to volunteer four hours per month in a community-based organization during the 18-to-24-month treatment. We also require that youths that apply to our program lift their grades to at least a "C" in all classes before we start treatment, and then maintain that minimum requirement during the treatment period. ASK receives referrals from DHS, school counselors, teachers, coaches, clinicians, and anyone else who works professionally with children. Orthodontists screen for medical need and arrange for orthodontic treatment if applicant is accepted into the ASK program. We reserve funds for the most severe cases and monitor school grades throughout.
