GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Local dentists are giving Green Bay area shelter residents something to smile about.
Meadowbrook Smiles in Green Bay has agreed to do free dental work for some New Community Shelter residents.
The idea came from high school senior, Nolan Van Miller, who recently volunteered at the shelter and saw a need.
Since his parents are dentists, he thought a great way to help was to give them confidence, good health and genuine smiles.
Nolan’s mother, Dr. Rebecca Van Miller, says they will do between $100,000 to $200,000 worth of free dental care on 20 residents in the next few months.
Treatments include teeth cleaning, treating cavities, root canals. and offering dentures.
“Giving back to the community is important to our family and so we try to do this regularly but with COVID, we haven’t had a chance to do something like this in the recent years,” Dr. Van Miller said.
And the work coincides with Dental Health Month.
Terri Refsguard, CEO of the New Community Shelter, says she was speechless when Dr. Van Miller agreed to start with 20 people.
“We spoke to some residents and they were beside themselves. One resident mentioned that she had applied for some good jobs but felt held back because of her inability to smile because of her teeth. So, this project is really special, even very emotional for some,” Refsguard said.
Nolan says it feels absolutely great to help people.
