Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act
Dental care is the leading unmet health care need for individuals with special needs.
Who We Serve
Since 2015, A Gift of Smiles has provided over $600,000 in donated dental care to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Central PA.
Caregiver Resources
We’ve gathered dental care information and local support resources to assist caregivers of patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Patient Referral
Refer a loved one with an intellectual or developmental disability for dental care by submitting our patient referral form. We’ll review and be in touch!
Breaking barriers to
dental care.
We have provided over $600,000 worth of free care and served over 350 patients
We have provided over $600,000 worth of free care and served over 350 patients
350+ Special Needs Patients
Treated since 2015
Your Gift Brings Care to Every Smile
With your generous support we can make a difference in the dental health of hundreds of intellectually and developmentally disabled people living right here in our central Pennsylvania community. We need your financial support and your participation to continue with this vital service for those in our community who experience the world in a different way.
A Team Built on Expertise, Compassion, and Impact
Dwight Jennings Ashby, DDS
MaryLou
Sara
Stephanie
Shanna
Mission
Story
Accessible Dental Care
When It’s Needed Most
A Gift of Smiles exists to enable families to receive proper dental care for loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing accessible, comprehensive, and compassionate dental healthcare.
Good oral health is an important part of overall health, yet many people with disabilities delay or miss dental care due to accessibility barriers or lack of appropriate support. Compassionate, accessible dental care can prevent unnecessary pain, reduce emergency visits, and improve quality of life.
Our Success is measured in lives changed
A Gift of Smiles began with a simple but powerful observation. After more than 30 years as a pediatric dentist in the Harrisburg community, Dr. Dwight Ashby saw firsthand how difficult it was for families of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to access proper dental care.
In 2014, Dr. Ashby set out to close that gap by creating A Gift of Smiles. Since treating its first patient in 2015, the foundation has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in life-changing dental treatment for patients across Central Pennsylvania.
Learn more about eligibility, services, and how we help.
Who is eligible to receive care through A Gift of Smiles?
A Gift of Smiles provides dental services to qualified individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in Central Pennsylvania as well as uninsured children under the age of five with severe tooth decay. Eligibility is based on need, location, and age requirements.
Is there a cost for dental services?
Since 2015, A Gift Of Smiles has treated over 167 patients and provided over $495,000 worth of dental treatment at no cost to their families. We are happy to help our patients and families have one less worry and the smiles of our patients be the measure of our impact.
How can someone be referred for dental care?
If you have a loved one with an intellectual or developmental disability, or an uninsured child under the age of 5 with severe dental decay who could benefit from the services provided by A Gift Of Smiles, please complete our online referral form.
How can I support A Gift of Smiles?
You can support A Gift of Smiles by making a donation, volunteering your time, or participating in fundraising events. Donations directly help provide dental care for individuals in Central Pennsylvania with intellectual and developmental disabilities who face financial or access barriers. Businesses can also contribute through programs like the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), which offers significant tax benefits for charitable giving.
What families
are saying
“My daughter was turned down by many dentists, but thanks to A Gift of Smiles she finally has a special smile.”
Ronnie L.
HUMMELSTOWN, PA“Dr. Ashby was amazing with my son and provided care we couldn’t find anywhere else. It has truly been a gift to his health.”
Julia R.
STEWARTSTOWN, PA"The staff was so warm and welcoming."
Angela
THOMAS'S MOM"A Gift Of Smiles has been a Godsend to Ricky and to me. He’s been to several dentists, some of them won’t even look in his mouth."
Ricky's Mom
"We appreciate everything that A Gift Of Smiles has done for our family and we can’t thank them enough."
Chris
JONATHAN'S DAD"I like Dr. Ashby, he’s a really nice dentist."
Brandon
PATIENT OF AGOS"McKenna came here for the first time today and she has done amazing. We’re leaving with smiles and she is happy. Definitely a change from other dentists we’ve seen where we’d leave in tears. Thank you AGOS, this has been a great experience and I can’t wait to come back."
Kali
McKENNA'S MOM"A big thank you to A Gift Of Smiles and their whole organization, especially Dr. Ashby. He’s just wonderful with Christian and we don’t know what we would do without him. He’s awesome."
Bob
CHRISTIAN'S DAD"Dr. Ashby’s bedside manner is fantastic and his staff is great."
Carla
JOSIE'S MOM"It’s really hard to find a dentist for kids with autism and other disabilities. A lot of times we’ve had to go down to Philadelphia and it can be really stressful on kids and the parents. We’re just so thankful to have A Gift Of Smiles here to help us and to help parents in the area and to help these kids have a little bit more of a comfortable life and to not be scared about going to the dentist. We’re grateful and thankful that they’re here to help to make lives a little easier."
Trey's Dad
"A great organization that allows parents to be less stressed about everything, to be comfortable. Thank you A Gift Of Smiles."
Brooke
JACKSON'S MOM"A Gift Of Smiles has been a very fantastic place to come. The people are very friendly and wonderful here."
