Local Orthodontist Puts A Smile On Teen’s Face

Jenisse Williams, 17, of Bridgeport, said she was so happy to have braces put on her teeth that she hopes they’ll never come off.  “I love them!” Jenisse stated enthusiastically during a recent visit to orthodontic specialist, Joshua Baum, DMD, MD. 

For the past four years, Dr. Baum has been supporting the Southwestern Area Health Education Center’s Oral Health Bridgeport Initiative (ORBIT), in collaboration with the Bridgeport Dental Association, on the Give Kids A Smile program. Give Kids A Smile provides uninsured children with complimentary dental services.

Southwestern AHEC’s Executive Director Meredith Ferraro is grateful to local dentists, such as Dr Baum who also practices in Newtown, as well as community health centers, dental hygiene schools, community agencies, and the Stratford Health Department for continuing to sponsor Give Kids A Smile. Last year 63 dentists provided free dental services valued at more than $200,000 to 456 local children.

Dr Baum and his professional team were excited about being part of this national health care initiative, which is endorsed by the American Dental Association. “I’ve always wanted to do something like this, and I was glad to be approached by Southwestern AHEC,” he stated.

According to Jenisse’s mother, Natasha Petitfrere-Day, her daughter hasn’t stopped grinning since the braces were put on her teeth. “Jenisse hadn’t smiled in so long,” Ms Petitfrere-Day said. “She wouldn’t laugh because of her teeth. The kids used to make fun of her. It really affected her self-esteem.”

Since she started seeing Dr Baum, though, everything has changed, Ms Petitfrere-Day noted. 

“Now that kid smiles all of the time,” she continued. “All you could see are her metal braces, but everyone tells her that she looks so pretty.”

“My friends say that I smile a lot now,” Jenisse agreed.

Both mother and daughter appreciate the dental office’s warm and welcoming staff. “A lot of people are afraid of going to dentists but they’re all so wonderful,” Ms Petitfrere-Day stated. “I am also so appreciative to Southwestern AHEC for putting us together with Dr Baum. They really performed a miracle because, even though Jenisse had a real medical reason for needing orthodontia work, health insurance wouldn’t pay for it. We’re so grateful.”

Realizing that Jenisse needed to see an orthodontist when she was 12, Ms Petitfrere-Day called several local practices for cost estimates. “I was told by one dentist that he needed a $500 down payment and then I would have to send in $200 each month to pay off the remaining $3,500,” she explained. “I couldn’t afford that.”

Seeing the happiness on her daughter’s face after their first meeting with Dr Baum brought tears to Ms Petitfrere-Day’s eyes.

And, although Jenisse’s braces will have to stay on for two years, she doesn’t mind. Jenisse is patiently waiting for the time when she can look in the mirror and see a beautiful set of straight, white teeth reflecting back.

 For more information about Southwestern AHEC and the ORBIT Collaborative, call Program Director Joan Lane at 203-372-5503.

Tax-deductible donations to the Give Kids A Smile program are appreciated. Checks should be made payable to “Southwestern AHEC” and mailed to Southwestern AHEC, 5520 Park Avenue, Suite 109, Trumbull CT 06611.