As the AAO’s 6th annual Bullying Bites campaign launched during National Bullying Prevention Month in October, we quickly saw #bullyingbites social media posts from members nationwide. Thank you to all members who joined in the effort to inspire young people to become part of the anti-bullying solution.

Among participating members was Dr. Alyssa Ricci of Doral, Florida, who posted an intriguing opportunity on Instagram. Dr. Ricci offered a “free smile makeover” to someone in need of orthodontic treatment who has been bullied because of their smile and cannot afford to pay an orthodontist’s fee.

Dr. Ricci, who opened her practice in Doral in 2022, first participated in #bullyingbites in 2023, making the same smile makeover offer last year. Entrants wishing to be considered submit detailed written accounts of their experiences being bullied. Adults and children/teens are eligible to enter.

“Last year we selected a winner, but then unfortunately found that he had periodontic disease and could not begin orthodontic treatment,” says Dr. Ricci. “Of course, paying to address the periodontic issues was also challenging for him, but he has worked that out and is now in treatment with a periodontist. We anticipate he will be able to become our patient soon.”

“In the meantime, we are working on selection of this year’s winner,” adds Dr. Ricci. “The stories are very heartwarming and it is not an easy choice.”

Dr. Ricci can relate to the entrant nominations as she reviews them, having been bullied as a child about multiple issues as described in her Instagram post.

“I was not bullied as much as other kids in my school and had a fairly thick skin to deal with it,” she says. “Both of my parents’ families immigrated from Cuba, my dad’s family having come to the United States when he was 5 years old. While I was growing up, learning about how he was bullied for not speaking English was shocking for me. Over time, I was motivated to advocate for those who were bullied constantly by standing up to the bullies and those who were gossiping.

“As an adult, I can see how much worse the situation has become because of social media and how people treat each other now, and have found it very sad to learn about the lifelong impact on many who have been bullied,” adds Dr. Ricci.

Dr. Ricci’s National Bullying Prevention Month activities also included asking patients to sign the anti-bullying pledge card from the AAO’s Bullying Bites toolkit. In addition, she donated $100 for each patient who began treatment during October to the anti-bullying organization, Stand for the Silent.

“It has been very rewarding to find ways to help spread the anti-bullying message,” says Dr. Ricci. “Orthodontic treatment changed my life because of the confidence that I gained as my smile improved. I am happy to pass that opportunity along to others who have been bullied.”