Many families may not be aware, but October has quietly become a month of healthy awareness. Millions rally behind Breast Cancer Awareness efforts each October but known to fewer people is that October is also National Orthodontic Health Month. Members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) typically utilize this time to conduct activities that educate the public about proper oral hygiene and the preservation of a child’s orthodontic treatment during Halloween.

Striving to be anything but “typical”, Dr. Dennis Hiller and the team at Hiller Orthodontics have lead a multi-community candy drive come to be known as “Treats for Troops. Treats for Troops was created six years ago as a means to engage communities in orthodontic friendly, healthy food choices while providing something special for troops stationed both locally and abroad. Dr. Hiller feels that Treats for Troops is a real win-win situation.  “Our patients and friends can limit their intake of excessive sweets and our troops will know we are still thinking of them.  We are thrilled we can lift their spirits.”

Hiller Orthodontics has conducted the “Treats for Troops” program for over six years. With the unanimous support of northern communities like Laconia, Conway, Littleton, Plymouth, Berlin, Wolfeboro and St. Johnsbury, over 3,000 lbs. of candy have been redistributed. Last year alone more than 500 lbs. of candy was collected and redistributed. This year’s community efforts include collection bins at several local schools including Lancaster, Whitefield, Gorham, Berlin, Conway and Laconia. If you or your school would like to be a part of the Treats-for-Troops campaign or are looking for your nearest collection bin, please contact us at Hiller Orthodontics at 1-888-HILLER2.

The 2011 Smilemaker award was once again received and given with great pride. This year the award was granted to Lin-Wood High School's Liz Teltely. Competition was stiff this year, a great sign that New Hampshire and Vermont are producing young students of great character.

Over the years the Smilemaker Scholarship has grown both in its size and its geographic reach. First beginning in Conway, the eligibility of this award now reaches into Laconia, Littleton, Plymouth, Berlin, St. Johnsbury Vermont and to the school districts in between. We can't wait to see how 2012 prospects respond and what level of service they will extend to their communities. Everyone will win for sure!

(Photos: Denise Clermont, of Hiller Orthodontics, presenting the Smilemaker Scholarship to Liz Teltely from Lin-Wood High school.)