The Smile Connection

Powerful words from one of the most respected physicians and humanitarians of our time.

I often wonder what Dr. Schweitzer would think of the world we live in today.

We hear terms like diversity, equity, and inclusion used everywhere. They generate attention. They fill headlines. But I’m left asking a harder question: are we truly living those ideals, or are we just talking about them?

As I’ve gotten older, hopefully wiser, I find myself more committed than ever to living out the kind of purpose Schweitzer described. And that has led me, more and more, toward advocating for a community that is too often overlooked: individuals with special needs and the families who care for them.

On April 18, a small but committed group gathered in what we now call the Oak Park Community Social Center, formerly our Wellness Center. Parents, caregivers, and leaders from local organizations came together with one shared goal: to increase awareness, access, and support for the special needs community.

Ideas were shared. Possibilities were discussed. But more importantly, something started.

I’ve never really seen myself as someone who “starts movements.” I’ve simply always stood up for what I believe is right. But what we discussed in that meeting was not new; it restated something we all know to be true.

There is a growing gap in care. For years, organizations like Misericordia referred patients needing hospital-based dental treatment to Illinois Masonic Hospital. Today, the hospital is no longer accepting new patients, likely due to overwhelming demand and a two-year waitlist.

So, the question becomes: what now? Where do these families go? I have reached out to Misericordia and offered to help, to partner with them and fill the gap created by healthcare abandoning a much-needed part of care.

I’ll be honest, I find this deeply disappointing. Not just as a dentist, but as someone who believes our profession, and healthcare as a whole, must do better. But disappointment alone doesn’t create change. People do.

Thirteen of us took the first step on April 18. And I understand what some may be thinking:

“This sounds promising, but we’ve seen efforts like this before. And nothing really changes.”

That’s fair. Real change doesn’t happen overnight. But it does happen when the right people decide they’re not going to let it stop. Six months ago, the Special Smiles Foundation had little to no support. Today, individuals and organizations are stepping forward. Momentum is building.

Now we need to build on it.

Here’s where you come in. Yes, financial support matters. If you know someone who can contribute, we welcome it. But this is bigger than money.

One idea raised at our meeting was pursuing legislation that directly supports the special needs community. It’s a powerful idea, but ideas alone don’t move forward without people behind them.

We are also working to establish Facebook and LinkedIn groups to create a central hub for communication, education, and collaboration. I’ll admit, I didn’t grow up in the social media generation. So, if you, or someone you know, has experience building and managing online communities, I would welcome that conversation.

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” — Lao Tzu

On April 18, we took that first step. Now we need help taking the next ones.