EG Orthodontist Joins Effort To Provide Care To Those Who Can't Afford It

For some people, dental care has become a luxury and orthodonture care has become an impossible dream. A new program is working to make that dream a reality and EG's Jack Kacewicz is among the first orthodontists to join.

American Association of Orthodontics Donated Orthodontic Services was started in 2009 as a way to help children whose parents couldn't afford treatment. 

"Essentially, it's a way to give back," said Kacewicz, a member of the Rhode Island Orthodontic Group. Kacewicz has been putting braces on kids teeth here in East Greenwich for decades – he admits some patients in 2013 are children of former patients.  

Through the donated services program, right now Kacewicz is treating a boy from Pawtucket (click here to see a video about the family). 

Other R.I. Orthodontic Group dentists are also involved in the program, including Brad Turchetta, who lives in EG but practices primarily in Warwick, Michael Kacewicz (Jack's son), who practices in Coventry, and John Underhill, who has offices in Wakefield and Wickford. 

Patients are referred by dental clinics around the state. While the doctors are donating their services, other costs – administrative fees, orthodonture supplies – are being paid for through donations from Performance Scrubs and Shock Doctor (mouthguard providers).

"I think this is a great concept," Kacewicz said. "If we can help even a little...."

Kacewicz grew up in the profession. His father was an orthodontist in Providence, one of only five in that state initially. Jack worked with his father when first out of dental but then moved his practice to East Greenwich. 

"I knew the future was out in the suburbs," he said. He built the building where his practice is still housed, on Greenwich Boulevard, in 1981. 

And, like him, his son Michael has followed in his father's footsteps. 

Kacewicz is proud to have been one of the first to bring the donated services program to Rhode Island. Currently, only five states offer the program. In addition to Rhode Island, it's available in New Jersey, Illinois, Indiana, and Kansas.