In the Press

Giving a Smile Foundation Hosts Free Youth Dental Clinic on October 19th, 2024

Los Angeles, CA – October 1, 2024 – The Giving a Smile Foundation, founded by esteemed dental specialists Dr. Rodney Raanan and Dr. Justin Raanan, is proud to announce its upcoming Youth Dental Clinic on October 19th, 2024. This free event will provide essential dental care to children and teens from underserved communities in South and East Los Angeles.

Event Details:

  • Date: October 19th, 2024

  • Time: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM

  • Location: 414 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Suite 1200

  • Open to: Youth ages 6-24

The Youth Dental Clinic is a continuation of the foundation's mission to address critical dental health disparities by offering free comprehensive dental services, including exams, cleanings, fillings, preventive treatments, and oral hygiene education. The clinic is staffed by licensed dental professionals volunteering their time and skills to ensure each child receives quality care in a welcoming environment.

Making a Lasting Impact:
In communities where dental care is often inaccessible, untreated dental issues can lead to pain, infection, and long-term health problems. Poor oral health is not only linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections but can also affect children’s ability to eat, speak, and concentrate in school. Over time, untreated cavities and gum disease can lead to more severe infections, tooth loss, and significant emotional and psychological impacts, including low self-esteem and social withdrawal. By organizing regular youth dental clinics, the foundation is working to prevent these outcomes, ensuring that children receive the care they need to stay healthy and confident, one smile at a time.

The foundation is proud to partner with several organizations dedicated to improving the lives of young people, including the Boy's & Girl's Club of San Gabriel Valley, Brianna Rose Institute, Department of Youth & Family Services, Give Mentor Love, and UCLA School of Dentistry. Through this collaboration, UCLA student doctors work alongside experienced doctors, gaining valuable hands-on experience while providing care to youth and young adults.

How to Get Involved:
The Giving a Smile Foundation encourages the community to support this vital cause. Volunteers, including dental professionals and administrative staff, are welcome to join the clinic. Additionally, the foundation is accepting donations to help fund future clinics and expand their outreach.

About the Founders
Dr. Rodney Raanan and Dr. Justin Raanan, brothers and co-founders of the Giving a Smile Foundation, come from an immigrant family deeply rooted in a legacy of service and giving back to the community. Their family’s journey, shaped by resilience and hard work, instilled in them the belief that success is measured not only by personal achievement but by the impact they have on others, particularly those less fortunate. This generational spirit of compassion and commitment to serving others has been a driving force in their lives.

Dr. Rodney Raanan is an acclaimed prosthodontist known for his expertise in advanced restorative dentistry. He has been recognized for his ability to restore complex dental cases and help patients regain both functionality and confidence in their smiles. His dedication to the Giving a Smile Foundation is fueled by his desire to extend these benefits to children and young adults who might otherwise lack access to such critical care.

Dr. Justin Raanan, a highly respected periodontist, specializes in gum health and the prevention of oral diseases. His work focuses on improving overall oral health, which directly impacts the well-being of individuals. Through the foundation, Dr. Justin ensures that youth in underserved communities receive the same quality care as his private patients. He’s driven by the understanding that untreated dental issues can cause long-term physical, emotional, and financial burdens, and he strives to prevent this by offering care and education to families who need it most.

Together, the Raanan brothers combine their exceptional skills in dentistry with a shared vision of giving back. Their work through the Giving a Smile Foundation is not just about treatment but about empowering underserved youth with the tools and education to maintain long-term oral health. For them, it’s about creating a ripple effect—each smile they restore has the potential to transform lives, boost self-esteem, and open doors for future opportunities. Their deep connection to their immigrant roots and their belief in the power of service guide their mission. The Giving a Smile Foundation reflects their commitment to making top-tier dental care available to every child, regardless of their background, and ensuring that no one is left behind when it comes to health and well-being.

 

Media Contact:
Kuliema Blueford
Director
Giving a Smile Foundation
Phone: (310) 205-5311
Email: info@GivingASmile.org
Website: GivingASmile.org

 

 

 

 

Our mission is to help all Los Angeles children and young adults gain access to preventative dental care to keep their teeth and gums healthy. With an emphasis on patient-centered care and a passion for building connections in the local community, we help families improve the oral health of children so they don’t face dental health issues in later adolescence or adulthood.

Join our Mission and Get Involved Today.