Another life has been changed thanks to the Gift of Smiles program through the Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program at Wichita State. Michael Orr is the most recent recipient of a brand-new smile and outlook on life. 

Orr suffered through years of dental problems, most recently with complications from his false teeth fitting improperly.

Although he works full-time, his insurance did not come close to covering the dental work he needed. When he learned about the Gift of Smiles program through his church, he was overjoyed to receive help. 

The program is intended to provide assistance for low-income patients to receive the dental care they need.

“I just wish they could help other people like they helped me.”
– Michael Orr

Transformations are made possible through a combination of Gift of Smiles funds and services and resources donated from community partners, says Natalie Olmsted, AEGD clinic director.

“Donations for the Gift of Smiles program are continuously needed,” says Olmsted. “We want to make it possible to serve many more patients like Michael.”

Dr. Mary Grace Nora was the dental resident assigned to Orr’s treatment. She secured new dental implants and installed a new top set of teeth. The entire process took approximately six months.

“Normally they have to add bone to the mouth for implants, but in my case they removed half of it,” says Orr. “But the pain wasn’t that bad and the staff did everything they could to make sure I was comfortable.”

Orr says his experience with the entire AEGD team was wonderful.

“They took good care of me and were always checking to see how I was doing,” he says. “I could tell they all truly cared.”

'It's very freeing'

Orr says his new teeth have been life changing in ways others might take for granted. For example, he is now able to eat foods that have been off limits for years.

“All I could eat before was soft, mushy food and now I can have anything – peanuts, beef jerky, peanut brittle, the hardest foods I can find,” says Orr. “It’s very freeing.”

Olmsted says patients’ new smiles come with other benefits as well.

“The transformation helps them in all aspects of life; it provides confidence to take photos with pride and apply for a job,” says Olmsted.

The program also serves as an excellent teaching opportunity for the dental residents. Patients with complex problems provide valuable real-life learning experiences for the residents.

His new smile has given Orr a revitalized outlook on life, and he is now planning to pursue a lifelong dream of opening his own restaurant.

Orr wants to get the word out about the Gift of Smiles program to help others in the same situation.

“I just wish they could help other people like they helped me.”

If you would like to sponsor a patient or donate services to the Gift of Smiles program, contact Natalie Olmsted at 316-978-8349 or natalie.olmsted@wichita.edu.