Why were you led to start the 

Fishbein Foundation?

We kept hearing stories and getting letters 

about kids being bullied for their teeth or 

their smiles and we felt the need to step 

in and do what we could to help fi x these 

horrible situations. We were already heavily 

involved with the Pensacola Humane 

Society and other small charities, so we 

decided to consolidate our efforts into one 

meaningful Foundation. 

What is the primary focus of the 

Foundation? 

We love all the programs we work with, 

but our EmBraces campaign is the closest 

to our hearts. A few of our staff members 

overcame bullying as children themselves. 

The physical and emotional pain these kids 

go through is unprecedented. Our everyday 

job is to straighten teeth, and the best side 

effect of that is a more confi dent smile. So, 

we get to make a difference with what we do 

on a daily basis.

How is the Fishbein Foundation 

funded?

The Fishbein Foundation is funded 100% 

through its parent organization, Fishbein 

Orthodontics. 

When was Fishbein Foundation 

started?

We offi cially started the Fishbein 

Foundation in 2017, but free treatment 

to kids in need has been provided since 

starting the practice in 2013. 

How do students/patients know 

about EmBraces?

We support numerous schools across the 

panhandle as a Partner in Education, where 

we sponsor Student of the Month, sports, 

PTA events, carnivals and career days. 

They promote the EmBraces Campaign 

by mentioning it at events and handing 

out fl yers. We also publicize through our 

practice, social media, and local news 

sources. 

How has EmBraces had an impact 

on the local community?

We have had the pleasure of giving free 

orthodontic treatment to so many kids 

in need. Once an EmBraces entry wins, 

they become a FishOrtho Anti-bullying 

Ambassador, and help us spread awareness 

at their schools and through our social 

media. We get updates about how treatment 

has not only changed their lives but the 

students around them as well. 

How many patients/students have 

been helped/impacted? ($)

We have pledged $1Million in smiles 

over 5 years, but after the fi rst year, we are 

already on pace to do that in less than 4 

years. We will help hundreds of children 

whose families may not be able to afford 

treatment otherwise. 

Is there a specifi c success story you 

can share?

Our 1st grand prize winner’s name is 

Kyra. Her story was one of the fi rst we 

received and had the whole offi ce in tears. 

A girl who once loved school was scared 

and had to switch schools multiple times 

because of bullies. Receiving braces has 

changed her tune and her mom has told us 

that she is now more confi dent than ever 

and has stood up to her bullies and moved 

on, loving school again. 

What is one thing you want readers 

to know about EmBraces?

Our main goal is to spread awareness. 

Bullying is an epidemic that we feel is only 

getting worse. We want students to know 

we support them and want their parents 

and teachers to be conscious of what could 

be going on when they aren’t looking. 

How can someone get involved in 

the EmBraces program?

You can learn more or submit an essay or 

video on our website at FishOrtho.com/

EmBraces. 

What does the future of the 

Fishbein Foundation look like?

We want to solve as many problems as 

possible for as many people as possible. We 

will continue our efforts for as long as we 

can. 

Interview with Dr. Ben Fishbein

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