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Smile for a Lifetime of Pinellas County
In 2012, Dr. McDowell founded the Smile for a Lifetime of Pinellas County chapter as a way to give back to the community and invest in the future of underserved children. It is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Through this organization, Dr. McDowell provides scholarships for orthodontic treatment to 8-10 local children each year on a completely pro bono basis. Recipients are required to perform a 40 hour community service project as part of the program’s Pay it Forward Clause.
Click here for Community Service Options
Click here for Community Service Hours Form
Click here for Community Service Planning Sheet
Smile for a Lifetime Foundation is a national charitable non-profit organization of doctors that provides orthodontic care to individuals who may not have the opportunity to acquire assistance. Launched in 2008, Smile for a Lifetime Foundation aims to reach individuals with financial challenges, special situations and orthodontic needs. Families must have an income of less than 185% of poverty level. Click here to see income eligibility table.
Our Mission
At Smile for a Lifetime Foundation it is our mission to create self-confidence, inspire hope, and change the lives of children in our community in a dramatic way. The gift of a smile can do all this for a deserving, underserved individual who, in turn, can use this gift to better themselves and our community. Our "Pay it Forward" requirement is our way of rewarding those individuals who are truly deserving of this wonderful benefit, and to serve by example that good deeds within our community do not go unnoticed.
The Doctor
Ernest H. McDowell, D.M.D., Board Certified Orthodontist by the American Board of Orthodontists.
Dr. Ernest H. McDowell has been creating beautiful smiles and enhancing self confidence in thousands of patients since 1987. "My greatest passion for creating beautiful smiles comes from the positive difference it makes in peoples lives."
"It's always amazing and fulfilling to see what a difference a stunning smile makes in overall self-esteem and self-confidence. A person who smiles is always happier!"
Dr. McDowell, as a Board Certified Orthodontist, is committed to remaining current and at the cutting edge of techniques and technologies available. Only a small percentage of orthodontists are board certified, and he and his staff are uniquely qualified and specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of all malocclusions.
Doctor McDowell has achieved an Elite Provider Status for Invisalign due to his extensive level of education and experience with this exciting new technology. This level is awarded to only the top 1% of Invisalign Providers in the world!
Dr. McDowell was born and raised in Pinellas County, graduating from Dixie Hollins High School in 1977. He then attended the University of South Florida, receiving a BA in Biology in 1981. From there, Dr. McDowell received his D.M.D. degree at the University of Florida, graduating with honors in 1985. His residency in Orthodontics was completed at the University of Louisville in 1987, after which he returned to Pinellas County to begin his private practice. Dr. McDowell remains currently active in lecturing to the orthodontic residents at both the University of Florida as well as Nova University.
He has been published in the National Orthodontic Publications as well as presenting topics both nationally and internationally. Dr. McDowell remains active in the local and national dental and orthodontic societies, serving on the Upper Pinellas Dental Board from 1996-2003, culminating in the Presidency in 2003. Because of his committment to the community, Dr. McDowell is very involved in various activities that enhance the lives of many children and adults. Every year, he is a sponsor of six separate Little League baseball and softball teams throughout Pinellas County, as well as participation in local health fairs, various YMCA's , community projects, etc. In addition, he and his staff are constantly involved with local schools discussing oral health topics.
Dr. McDowell has a beautiful wife Katie, and four wonderful children, Pierce, Naomi, and his identical twin daughters Natalia and Milan. He enjoys triathlons, boating, traveling, spending time with his family, and enhancing the lives of our community by creating beautiful smiles.
Board of Directors
Robert Churney, DMD
Gregory Savel, MD
Raj Pai, MD, FAAP
Corey McLaughlin
J. Kevin Hayslett, Esq.
Susan Blankenship, DMD
Application & Questions
Please e-mail Marcia Catlett, Executive Director, at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions. NOTE: All correspondence will be via e-mail, and we will reply to your questions within 48 hours during normal business hours. There is NO DEADLINE. However, applicants are welcomed and encouraged to resubmit their applications every quarter.
It must be noted that neither Dr. McDowell nor his ortho team chooses the recipients. They have only committed to providing the orthodontic services to the selected candidates. The recipients are chosen by an independent Board of Directors, who in no way provide any bias or influence toward the candidates who are chosen. Applications will be reviewed quarterly, and the ones chosen will be contacted by the McDowell Orthodontics Team upon selection by the Board of Directors.
Who Qualifies
To become a candidate, interested patients must complete or have completed for them, a Smile for a Lifetime application. The application and guidelines may be downloaded by clicking on the links below.
