Dad's Purple Heart Brings Smiles to his Children

Retired United States Marine Sergeant Major Justin Ezell is a Purple Heart and bronze star recipient who proudly served his country during his tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He learned about a partnership between Georgia School of Orthodontics (GSO) and the Georgia Dental Foundation that provides children of Purple Heart recipients with free braces.

“This program has made such a positive impact on my 13-year-old son, Carson, who is currently benefitting from GSO’s free orthodontic care,” said Ezell, a resident of Marietta, Georgia. “I am humble and appreciative that GSO gives to Purple Heart recipients in a way that is so transformational.”

Since its inception in 2016, GSO, the largest orthodontic residency program in the United States with two patient clinics serving metro Atlanta, has made it an ongoing mission to support veterans and military personnel. GSO has invested more than $108,000 into Purple Heart Smiles and as the program continues to grow there is no limit to the number of qualified recipients.

Active military receive savings throughout the year for orthodontic treatment and the School has several veterans on their faculty and staff.

U.S. Army Sergeant Major Kyle Margelofsky, a Purple Heart recipient, husband, and father of five stationed in Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, NC has reason to smile as this month marks the beginning of free orthodontic treatment for four of his five children through Purple Heart Smiles.

"Kids can be cruel and I know from personal experience that being teased about how your teeth look, especially when you are young, can contribute to low self-esteem," said Margelofsky’s wife, Abbie. "We could not afford to give our kids braces and a brighter future without this life-altering program offered by GSO.”

To qualify for the Purple Heart Smiles program, a potential recipient must be the son/daughter of a Purple Heart recipient or have a recipient serving as their legal guardian. To apply online, go to http://www.bracestoday.com/purple-heart-smiles

For more information about GSO, visit GSOrthodontics.org. To schedule a complimentary consultation, visit bracestoday.com or call 770.351.7737.

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About Georgia School of Orthodontics

Georgia School of Orthodontics (GSO), based in Atlanta, offers an advanced specialty education program in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. The 36-month residency program is structured to provide collaborative and evidence-based learning for residents while providing quality orthodontic care to patients in the School’s two patient clinics in metro Atlanta. GSO’s mission is to educate outstanding dentists to be proficient in the clinical specialty of orthodontics, while providing Georgians with the highest level of patient care available. GSO faculty and staff are dedicated to diversity in both education and practice. For more information about GSO, visit GSOrthodontics.org. To schedule a complimentary consultation, visit bracestoday.com or call 770.351.7737.