Smile Maker Celebration Dinner

What an incredible honor and privilege it was to host our very first Smile Maker Celebration Dinner as we recognized our three 2026 Smile Maker Award recipients: Robert, Quinn, and Winter.

Each recipient was joined by family members as well as someone who had written a letter of recommendation on their behalf. Robert attended with his mother, Amanda, and Major Keith Purvis of the Civil Air Patrol. Quinn was joined by her father, Michael, her brother, Rory, and Mrs. Dyer, who first met and befriended Quinn through theater class. Winter celebrated alongside her mother, Jenora, her sisters, Skylynn and Nova, and both Mrs. Meadows and Mrs. Trueblood, whose heartfelt recommendations helped tell Winter’s story.

One of the special moments of the evening was recognizing several individuals and organizations whose generosity made this celebration—and our mission—possible.

We were honored to recognize Robert Lajcaj of Independence Market by Meijer. During the store’s 2025 ribbon-cutting ceremony, Independence Market made a generous donation to The Happy Teeth Project. At that time, we promised Robert that every dollar would support the Happy Dragon Project within the Lake Orion Community Schools. Throughout the past year, we have stayed in touch, and it was important for us to let him know just how instrumental that gift has been in changing young lives. We are excited to continue building this partnership for years to come.

We were also grateful to have Superintendent Heidi Mercer in attendance. From our very first meeting, Superintendent Mercer has been a true partner in our mission. She coordinated meetings with counselors throughout the district, helped identify eligible students, and served on our selection committee, where candidates were evaluated anonymously before our final recipients were chosen.

When we shared our vision of expanding into the Lapeer and Waterford school districts for the 2026-2027 school year, Superintendent Mercer graciously introduced us to both district superintendents. Following those meetings, we are thrilled to announce that both districts have chosen to partner with The Happy Teeth Project, allowing us to serve even more deserving students.

None of this would be possible without our outstanding orthodontic partners.

Our first community partner was Dr. DeHaan and the team at DeHaan Orthodontics. Dr. DeHaan has a long history of investing in the Lake Orion community, and once again he answered the call to serve. Dr. DeHaan and his team will be providing Quinn’s orthodontic care, giving her the opportunity to smile with confidence.

We were equally honored to have Havens Orthodontics represented by Dr. Paron and Amber Fonnegra. Our partnership with Havens Orthodontics has been an incredible blessing. With multiple locations throughout southeast Michigan, they have enthusiastically committed to supporting The Happy Teeth Project as we expand into new communities. As providence would have it, Havens Orthodontics has locations perfectly positioned to serve both our Lapeer and Waterford expansion efforts. They will also be providing Winter’s and Robert’s orthodontic treatment.

For our Happy Teeth Project team, however, the true highlight of the evening was finally meeting the incredible young people and families we have the privilege of serving. Seeing their smiles, hearing their stories, and witnessing the joy shared between the recipients, their families, and those who had advocated so passionately for them was more meaningful than words can adequately express. It was a beautiful reminder of why this organization exists.

As we look ahead to the 2026-2027 school year, our goal is to recognize and serve seven Smile Maker Award recipients across the three districts. We hope next year’s celebration will not only be larger in number but even richer in stories of hope, confidence, and transformed lives.

Every smile tells a story. We are grateful to be part of those stories and look forward to continuing our mission of changing lives—one smile at a time.

Partnership Announcement: Havens Orthodontics

Haven Orthodontics Partners 400

“The Happy Teeth Project is proud to announce a transformative partnership with Havens Orthodontics that will significantly expand access to life-changing orthodontic care for students throughout our communities.

At the heart of this partnership is a shared belief that every child deserves the opportunity to smile with confidence, regardless of their financial circumstances. When The Happy Teeth Project connected with the leadership team at Havens Orthodontics, the response from Dr. Aaron Havens, Dr. David Havens, Dr. Tom Paron, Dr. Nick Ancona and Dr. John Baker was immediate and inspiring.

Recognizing the profound impact that orthodontic treatment can have on a young person’s confidence, self-esteem, and future opportunities, these doctors committed their expertise, resources, and support to help expand access to care for deserving students throughout our region.

Through the support of Havens Orthodontics and its network of nine locations, The Happy Teeth Project will now be able to expand its reach beyond Lake Orion and into the Lapeer and Waterford School Districts, creating new opportunities for students and families who otherwise may not have access to treatment.

This partnership represents far more than orthodontic care. It is a commitment to confidence, opportunity, and hope. Every child who receives treatment gains more than a healthier smile—they gain the confidence to speak, laugh, participate, and pursue their future without hesitation.

We would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the Havens Orthodontics leadership and support teams, including Amber Fonnegra, whose work helped bring this partnership to life.

On behalf of our Board of Directors, our school partners, the families we serve, and the students whose lives will be forever changed, we extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Aaron Havens, Dr. David Havens, Dr. Tom Paron, Dr. Nick Ancona, Dr. John Baker, and the entire Havens Orthodontics team.

Together, we are creating brighter futures—one smile at a time.”

Haven Orthodontics Partners

Lapeer

810-667-4006

421 S. Main St.,
Lapeer, MI 48446

Waterford

5900 S Main St
Clarkston, MI, 48346

248-674-5210

Website

Celebrating Our First Completed Project: Karis’ Journey with The Happy Teeth Project

It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since Karis was selected as the very first candidate for The Happy Teeth Project. In that time, she has experienced an incredible journey of growth and achievement. Since we introduced her selection, Karis has transitioned into high school, become a leader on the JV cheerleading team, joined the tennis team, and is now just steps away from earning her driver’s license. How time flies!

Today, we are thrilled to celebrate the completion of our first project—and what a meaningful milestone it is.

This achievement would not have been possible without the generous partnership and unwavering support of Lazarus Orthodontics. Their entire team, from doctors to staff, played a vital role in making Karis’ experience one filled with pride, confidence, and smiles. Their professionalism and heart truly embody what it means to give back to the community, and we are deeply grateful for their involvement.

In the five years since launching, The Happy Teeth Project has continued to grow. We’ve been able to assist additional youth and are actively building strong partnerships that will allow us to expand our reach even further. Karis will always be the first, but she is just the beginning of what we hope will be a long-lasting and impactful mission.

To everyone who has supported us so far—thank you. We can’t wait to share more stories like Karis’ in the years to come.

Big Hearts, Bigger Smiles: A Meijer Moment”

 

A few months ago, I was casually checking my email when I came across a message from someone named Robert Lajcaj. I didn’t recognize the name, but my curiosity was piqued—he was with Meijer and involved in launching a new store in Clarkston, Michigan: The Independence Market.

His email was thoughtful. He said he wanted to learn more about The Happy Teeth Project and that he and his team were considering us for a partnership. Now, I’ll be honest—my first reaction was that this had to be a scam (sadly, a sign of the times). But I replied anyway, and we ended up meeting for coffee later that week. Robert even introduced me to his team: Keri Tomac, Ashley Fries, and Tristen McGaha.

It turns out Tristen had come across our website, got curious about what we do, and brought that curiosity to his team. That first meeting was fantastic—energizing, exciting, and, to be honest, a little surreal. Here was a major corporation showing real interest in our little nonprofit. I sent thank-you notes after the meeting, still unsure where it might lead. Worst case? Robert bought my coffee, so I figured I was already ahead.

About a month later, I got a message from Keri. We met again—this time with Keri, Ashley, and Robert—and they shared some incredible news: they wanted to present The Happy Teeth Project with a $5,000 check. Just about to the penny, that’s what it costs us to fund an average project. Talk about good timing!

They invited us to the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Independence Market, where Robert presented the check alongside Meijer Co-Chairman and CEO Hank Meijer, and President and CEO Rick Keyes.

I’m deeply thankful to Mr. Meijer and his leadership team for keeping philanthropy front and center as their company grows. The Happy Teeth Project is excited about this partnership and the opportunity to work alongside such good-hearted people.

As for the $5,000? It’s already at work—fully funding our very first project with a new (and our first!) school district: Lake Orion. That’s definitely something to smile about.

George D. Cherrick IV

Orthodontic Assistance for Adopted Children in Michigan: A Guide for Families

Michigan's Children Need Our Help

In Michigan, families who have adopted children from the state’s foster care system may be eligible for financial assistance to cover orthodontic treatments, such as braces, through the Adoption Medical Subsidy Program. This program is designed to support the medical and dental needs of adopted children, ensuring they receive necessary care without imposing undue financial strain on their families.We Are Families Rising+4parc-orchards.org+4strong-families.org+4

Understanding the Adoption Medical Subsidy Program

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) administers the Adoption Medical Subsidy Program, which provides reimbursement for certain medical and dental expenses incurred by adoptive families. Specifically, for orthodontic services, the program offers:strong-families.org+1parc-orchards.org+1Delta Dental of Michigan

  • Maximum Lifetime Benefit: Up to $5,000 per child for orthodontic treatment related to a certified medical condition.
  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • The child must have been adopted from Michigan’s public foster care system.
    • The orthodontic condition must have existed, or the cause of the condition must have existed, prior to the adoption.
    • A medical subsidy agreement must be in place before the initiation of treatment. Delta Dental of Michigan+6parc-orchards.org+6Michigan+6
  • Application Process:
    • Parents must submit a treatment plan from a licensed orthodontic provider detailing the condition, proposed treatment, timeline, expected outcomes, and total cost.
    • While prior approval is not required for orthodontic services, the medical subsidy for a certified condition must be established before treatment begins.Michigan+1strong-families.org+1

It’s important to note that the program does not cover routine dental care or cosmetic treatments. The focus is on medically necessary orthodontic interventions that address specific health conditions. Michigan

Steps to Access Orthodontic Assistance

  1. Consult with an Orthodontist: Schedule an evaluation with a licensed orthodontist to assess your child’s needs and obtain a comprehensive treatment plan.
  2. Submit Required Documentation: Provide the treatment plan and any necessary medical records to the Adoption and Guardianship Assistance Office (AGAO) to establish the medical subsidy agreement.We Are Families Rising+4parc-orchards.org+4strong-families.org+4
  3. Confirm Eligibility and Coverage: Once the medical subsidy is approved, confirm the extent of coverage and any remaining out-of-pocket expenses.strong-families.org
  4. Initiate Treatment: With the subsidy in place, proceed with the orthodontic treatment as outlined in the approved plan.

Additional Resources

  • Adoption Medical Subsidy Program Information Booklet: This booklet provides detailed information about the program, including eligibility criteria and application procedures.
  • Parent Application for Adoption Medical Subsidy (Form DHS-1341-A): This form is required to apply for the medical subsidy and must be submitted along with the necessary documentation.
  • Contact Information:
    • Adoption and Guardianship Assistance Office (AGAO):
      • Phone: 517-335-7801
      • Email: cshcsfc@michigan.gov

By leveraging the resources available through the Adoption Medical Subsidy Program, adoptive families in Michigan can ensure their children receive the orthodontic care they need for a healthy and confident smile.Fostering Futures+5Michigan+5Child Welfare Information Gateway+5

Partnership Announcement: DeHaan Orthodontics

DeHaan Orthodontics

We are proud to announce a new partnership with DeHaan Orthodontics in Lake Orion to help us best serve our Smile Makers selected in this area, namely The Happy Dragon Project, which we will have more information on in the coming weeks and months.

Dr. Andrew DeHaan and his team have been a staple in this community for some time, and this charitable alliance is one of many that they have been involved with. After personally meeting with Dr. DeHaan, his office manager Jen, and their marketing coordinator Mary, I am confident that they will greatly contribute to our mission: “To inspire confidence in our youth by changing the world, one smile at a time.”

 

George D. Cherrick IV

DeHaan Orthodontics

(248) 391-4477

922 S. Baldwin Road
Lake Orion, MI 48348

Website

More Than Just Straight Teeth The Lifelong Impact of Orthodontic Care

Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on both the dental and facial development of a person. It goes beyond simply straightening teeth—orthodontics works to align the teeth, lips, and jaws in a way that promotes a healthy bite and facial balance. These improvements not only create a beautiful smile but also contribute to greater self-esteem, confidence, and overall quality of life. Our goal at DeHaan Orthodontics is to create beautiful, healthy smiles for our patients that will last a lifetime! We work together to provide our patients and their families with a comfortable, professional, and exceptional orthodontic experience.
Orthodontic treatment is for patients of all ages. While adults can benefit from treatment at any stage of life, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic consultation by age seven. At this age, while treatment may not be necessary, early signs of potential problems can be detected. When appropriate, children are placed on a recall schedule, allowing our team to monitor their growth and determine the optimal time to begin treatment. Early evaluation ensures that any issues can be addressed proactively and effectively. Many orthodontic issues are considered orthopedic, meaning that they involve the bones, thus it is important to evaluate a growing child whose bone structure can be manipulated by orthodontic/orthopedic appliances. When children miss the proper window for treatment due to a lack of access to care, orthodontic treatment options can be limited by the time they can access the care they need.
The importance of orthodontic treatment extends far beyond cosmetics. Crowded or misaligned teeth are harder to clean, which increases the risk of cavities, gum disease, and eventual tooth loss. Malocclusions—or bad bites—can also cause uneven wear of teeth, difficulties with chewing, and even jaw discomfort or chronic facial pain in severe cases. When left untreated, these problems often worsen over time. Orthodontic care helps prevent these complications, supporting long-term dental health while giving patients a confident, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.

Dr. DeHaan

Happy Teeth Origin

My wife, Jennifer, and I started The Happy Teeth Project in May 2020, during a time when, as everyone can universally attest, smiles were hard to come by. Through volunteering in children and teen ministry programs at our church, we began to recognize one overwhelming need among these age groups. While many of the children we worked with attended some of Michigan’s most prestigious blue-ribbon schools, many students in those districts were also fighting a daily battle against poverty. One area where this poverty was evident was in the inability to access cosmetic dentistry care, particularly orthodontics, as state insurance does not consider it essential.

The Happy Teeth Project is a nonprofit established with the goal of removing the financial burden of orthodontic care for families, while also boosting the recipient’s self-confidence in the process. When we began this work, we had two near-teenage daughters, and we not only understood the aesthetic benefits of orthodontics, but, more importantly, we understood what neglect in this area meant for long-term dental health.

One of the more challenging aspects of running this nonprofit is that not everyone who qualifies financially will be able to receive help. These projects cost thousands of dollars, so we’re likely years away from helping hundreds of youth each year. In addition to the financial requirements, we also have a character requirement. Since we’re investing thousands of dollars into these individuals, it’s vital that we ensure both our donors and The Happy Teeth Project are investing in the right people. In our brief time running this nonprofit, I’ve found that we’re investing in the parents’ character just as much as the child’s.

There were many inspirations behind founding The Happy Teeth Project, and I believe God will provide us with many more as we continue. Our vision is to inspire confidence in our youth by changing the world, one smile at a time.

George D. Cherrick IV

The Importance of Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontics is a unique dental specialty that focuses on both the dental and facial components of a person’s development. Orthodontics does more than just straighten teeth to provide a balanced bite and beautiful smile. The goal of orthodontics… is to bring the teeth, lip contours and jaws into proper alignment and achieve an esthetic facial balance. These changes will enhance a person’s self-esteem and self-confidence to improve the quality of life. Our mission… is to strive to provide total patient satisfaction with quality orthodontics and exceptional service that is second to none!

                Orthodontic treatment can be provided for children and adults. For a child, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends seeing an orthodontist for a checkup as early as age seven, or any time a particular problem is noted by the parent or family dentist. Also, though treatment will not necessarily be started at this age, early warning signs can be determined and evaluated. If needed, the child will be placed on a recall schedule so that the optimum time for treatment to begin may be planned. For adults, regardless of age, orthodontic treatment is always an option and if necessary will provide improved health of your teeth, gums and supporting bone while at the same time improving your smile and appearance.

                THE IMPORTANT OF TREATMENT – Crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain and in time may contribute to tooth decay, gum disease and eventual tooth loss. Malocclusions (bad bites) also result in excessive wear of tooth surfaces, difficulty in chewing, gum disease and damage to the supporting bond. Misalignment of the teeth and jaws can seriously affect the jaw joints and sometimes result in acute or chronic pain of the face, head and neck (TMJ problems). When left untreated, many orthodontic problems become worse with time.

Dr John Lazarus