May 10, 2018
2013 “Diplomates Making a Difference”: Edward Zebovitz, DDS
A smile is something that can easily be taken for granted. Whether you commute to work and smile at a stranger; or, when you grab your morning cup of coffee and wish someone a good day. How many times do you smile throughout the day? It is an incredible ability to change someone’s life by simply giving them the chance to smile confidently.
Surgeons for Smiles, www.surgeonsforsmiles.org, was founded and established by Edward Zebovitz, DDS, in 1997 with a focus in two areas: care and education. For 16 years, Surgeons for Smiles has traveled to more than five different countries treating underprivileged patients all over the world and educating local physicians to treat patients.
Surgeons for Smiles travels with an exceptional group of individuals and surgeons who conduct a variety of procedures not limited to OMS. To support its mission, the not-for-profit organization travels with maxillofacial surgeons, gynecologic surgeons, general surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, surgical assistants and support staff. The group offers a wide range of care, including oral and maxillofacial surgery such as cleft lip and palate repair; general dental services; and gynecologic and general surgery repairs. The number of surgeries per trip varies depending on the mission, location and team members available. Surgeons for Smiles provides all supplies and medications except for intravenous fluids which are too burdensome to transport. If the host site for the trip has difficulties providing intravenous fluids, Surgeons for Smiles will cover the expense and will ship the fluids prior to their mission trip.
“Invite us and we shall come” is a motto that Surgeons for Smiles uses and truly means. Surgeons for Smiles embraces new missions to foreign locations and encourages recommendations to better serve the world with their talents.
The organization has become a driving force in Dr. Zebovitz’s life and in his own Maryland practice as well. “My patients ask me every day where I am going next and how proud they are of me,” Dr. Zebovitz said. “I respond to them and say, I am the lucky one to be given gifts to help others.”