Her face was intact, but her teeth were broken and missing. She was in an abusive relationship. She had the daunting responsibility of raising her children by herself and found it difficult to obtain work due to her broken smile. Learning about free dental care through a local social services organization, she applied to be a potential patient through a program called “Give Back a Smile,” created specifically for victims of abuse and run by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).
Miraculously, she was selected and directed to a local dentist, who had volunteered through membership with the AACD to donate his time and work. After extensive restorative and cosmetic dental work she had a new smile and was so appreciative and hopeful of the possibilities open to her. As a result, she was able to obtain work, support her family and have a better future. She has since moved away, but once returned to visit the office and thank Dr. Helmkamp for her restored smile and the confidence that it gave her.
Over the past 25 years, Dr. Helmkamp has been involved in charitable dentistry through several national programs. Currently, he is the Maine chair of Donated Dental Services, a national organization that identifies and donates dental care to the elderly, medically and/or psychologically compromised patients. He continues to volunteer by taking new abuse cases through the AACD. He has long donated all proceeds from teeth whitening through the Smiles For Life program, which donates 100% of its proceeds and donations to directly benefit children charities and organizations. Finally, he has opened his doors during Have a Heart Day in which he donates full days of free dentistry to local residents.
Dr. Helmkamp is a quiet giver; he doesn’t seek recognition for what he does. Over the years, he has helped hundreds perhaps thousands of people through his charitable efforts. He believes that people can have better lives through improved health. He believes he can make a difference and that helping others is the right thing to do.