Local dental patients can have their teeth whitened and help a child in need by visiting local Crown Council dentist Dr. Gurneet Chahal, as March 1 marks the beginning of the 20th annual Smiles For Life Campaign.

The campaign runs from March 1 until June 30, and 100 percent of the proceeds from teeth whitening procedures done at Oakdale Smiles are contributed directly to the Smiles for Life Foundation. This foundation uses donations from the community to help fund worthy children’s charities and humanitarian work, both locally and around the world.

Oakdale Smiles is at 250 S. Oak Ave., Suite B3 and specializes in Adult Cosmetic Dentistry. They can be reached at 209-322-3174.

Tooth whitening patients receive their smile brightening procedure at a discounted rate. They can enhance their own smile while also improving the lives of disadvantaged children.

Since its creation in 1998, the Crown Council’s Smiles For Life Campaign has raised more than $38 million for seriously ill, disabled, and disadvantaged kids thanks to participation from local communities and dental practices. Smiles For Life hopes to continue this tremendous pace for donations in 2017.

Half of the donations raised by Crown Council dentists are given to their preferred local children’s charity. The rest goes to the Smiles For Life Foundation to support its national and international initiatives, including programs in the Dominican Republic, Bolivia, and Guatemala.