Haeger Orthodontics of Kent announced the names of the first four recipients selected in the community as part of the Smile for a Lifetime Foundation program.

As a member of the nonprofit organization, Dr. Robert Haeger is the first orthodontist in the South Sound area to donate complete, free orthodontic treatment to underserved youth.The first, Smiles for a Lifetime recipients include:

Anahi Reyes, 19, Kentlake High School (nominated by school counselor Lana Wainscott)

Ryan Brown, 18, Auburn High School (nominated by school counselor Jon Morrow)

Reese Paladin, 14, Mattson Middle School, Kent (nominated by Haeger Orthodontics’ patients – the Barlow family)

Wyatt Ramsey, 14, Auburn Mountainview High School (nominated by Dr. Neal Wanner, DDS)

“My parents can’t afford to pay for braces and I think my smile can help me in the future,” Reyes wrote in her S4L application. “Also, so people won’t laugh at my teeth.”

With more than 20 years experience, Haeger knows that a beautiful smile is an enormous asset. That is why he recently founded the local S4L chapter to help less fortunate youth.

“I get great personal satisfaction helping people and families change their lives. I feel fortunate to have the skills to help,” Haeger said.

Haeger plans to contribute full orthodontic treatment to four local youth every six months for the foreseeable future. At a cost of about $6,000 per patient, Haeger will donate close to $50,000 each year for S4L recipients.

To learn more about Smiles for Lifetime Foundation, visit http://www.S4L.org.