It takes a village,
Sometimes it takes an orthodontist

Vero Beach -

During National Foster Care Month, CCKids want to recognize the contributions of community partners like Dermody Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics who help improve the quality of life for children in foster care at their own expense.

Dr. Dermody take over the orthodontic care of children who come into foster care with braces. Without their help, those braces would be removed because Medicaid doesn't pay for most orthodontia.

If you see Dr. Dermody or anyone from that practice, please thank them. And if you are an orthodontist and would like to help foster children in your area, please contact our finance director, Christine Winter, at (772) 873-7800.

According to Ms. Winter, about six children come into care with braces each year. It's a low number, she said, because so many children in care are from lower income families who cannot afford the service in the first place.