Broadway Smiles Offers Free Dental to Young Performers

"Broadway Smiles" is a new program that will make cosmetic dentistry procedures available to young professional performers at reduced or no cost. The New York University College of Dentistry's Center for Continuing Dental Education will be providing this new service and The Actors' Fund of America has agreed to administer the eligibility of individuals applying for these procedures.

"Young performers may wish to have spaces between their teeth corrected or missing, misshapen, uneven or discolored teeth repaired," said Assistant Dean H. Kendall Beacham, "and this will provide them with an opportunity to avoid becoming self-conscious about their appearance. We hope it leads to further employment."

"We are very excited about this opportunity to offer these services to the people who need them," said Joseph Benincasa, Executive Director of The Actors' Fund. "It fits into the mission of The Fund which is to help all professionals in the performing arts and entertainment maintain a career in their chosen field. And we are especially pleased to be partnering with one of the finest dental schools in the world."

Performers wishing to participate in "Broadway Smiles" may apply through The Actors' Fund whose criteria will be similar to other Fund programs offering financial assistance. Inasmuch as the program is specifically aimed at performers who are in the early stages of their career, the industry-earnings requirements will be adjusted accordingly. The application procedure will be quick and efficient and require only one visit to the Fund. Those qualifying will then proceed to NYU for an evaluation by the dental team.

Each participant will be checked for general dental health, and the aesthetic treatments ordered for them may include tooth colored fillings, bleaching, bonding, laminates and crowns. The dentists providing the services are experienced professionals who are expanding their practices by learning the techniques of aesthetic dentistry under the Center's Director, Dr. Stephen J. Chu.

Initial funding for the program was made possible by a gift from Dr. Irwin and Lucia Smigel, whose son Robert is a well-known comedy writer and performer. Veteran television and theatrical producer Roy A. Somlyo organized the program and brought the college and fund together. "There is little doubt that performers want to look their very best, and leading off with a beautiful smile always helps. Happily NYU and The Fund are prepared to address just that," said Somlyo.

NYU Continuing Dental Education is recognized as a leading source of continuing education both in the United States and globally. It attracts 4000 dental health professionals from more than 20 countries each year, making it the largest program of its type in the world.

Founded in 1882, The Actors' Fund of America is the national human services organization helping all entertainment and performing arts professionals in television, film, music, theatre, opera and dance. The Actors' Fund's broad spectrum of programs includes comprehensive social and health services, supportive and affordable housing, career counseling, and skilled nursing and assisted living care. Actors' Fund programs address the essential needs of people in our industry. Administered from offices in New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago, The Fund is a safety net, providing essential support for those in need, crisis or transition.

Individuals interested in participating in the "Broadway Smiles" program may contact The Actors' Fund at 212.221.7300 for further information. Applications will be taken immediately although the program will get fully underway in September.