Dr. Gy Yatros said these words December 2, 2004 to kick off Debbie Scott’s debut party. "I have had the opportunity over my 12 year career to complete a great number of smile restorations. I am continually amazed by the changes people experience after receiving their work. In an effort to reach out to patients like Debbie who are too scared to see a dentist, I created the Island Dental Spa to let people know they can actually enjoy coming to the dentist to achieve the smile they always wanted and change the way they feel about themselves. Debbie was no exception. My team and I at the Island Dental Spa have truly enjoyed working with Debbie and have been equally amazed at the transformation both physically and personally that she has gone through over the last 2 ½ months.

Debbie’s Extreme Makeover Team Members included:

• Dr. Gy Yatros, Island Dental Spa in Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island and his team that provided the $13,000 smile makeover
• Dave Jensen, Owner Natural Prosthetic Dental Lab, Inc. in Bradenton
• Ron Perdue, Owner Perdue Dental Lab in Bradenton
• Amy Stickler, Owner Sun & Surf in Holmes Beach
• Missy Parker, Owner & Operator of A Pine Avenue Salon in Anna Maria
• Nancy Daniele, Licensed Cosmetologist at A Pine Avenue Salon
• Jamie DiMiceli, Licensed Nail Technician & Esthetician at A Pine Avenue Salon

• Complete exam and printed oral health report with photos from Dr. Yatros outlining the best course of action.
• Oral surgery to remove an abscess (completed by a surgeon)
• Extensive periodontal therapy
• Upper healing denture and second final dentures
• Crowns and bridge which were needed as four of her lower teeth were not salvageable
• Lower removable prosthesis.
• Spa and relaxation treatments including warm eye mask, video goggles to watch a movie, warm blanket, paraffin hand wax treatment and a cool fresh smoothie-to-go.

Debbie Scott’s Story:

Debbie Scott has lived on Anna Maria Island for many years and has been a welcome volunteer and outstanding helper to so many organization, many of whom have joined us today to help her celebrate including the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center; Safe Kids Coalition; P.O.P (Parents on Patrol); Think Safe Be Safe and the Manatee County Runaway Shelter. It is partially because of this giving spirit that so many were happy to help her in her time of need.

In 2000 Debbie experienced a tragic event that left her unable to work with a disabled shoulder with a huge pile of medical bills and with no insurance. In her words, “My teeth had become jagged, missing, discolored, infected, abscessed and riddled with gum disease. I dressed down to draw less attention to myself. Little kids at school were scared of me and worried about me. I couldn’t eat most foods because it hurt too much”. Her health deteriorated and eventually she weighted less than 85 pounds.

After 4 years of pain, infection, disappointment, embarrassments, traumas, emergency room visits, and hospital visits she had had enough. Then this fall, her second mom, Peggy Bell, told her that the ABC Extreme Makeover Show was doing a casting call in Sarasota. With the help of her friend, Alison Stripling she completed the application and camped out overnight with 1,000 of other folks (several which have remained close and are here today) to have her chance at making the show. She couldn’t believe it when she received a phone call a few days later asking her to fly to LA for an Interview- she had made the finals.

She says, “My life before LA was lived day to day. I hated the world. I was so angry, so sick, so hurt, so tired and so hungry. I had no idea that trip would change my life”.

Ultimately, she was not selected, however, upon returning she found residents of Anna Maria and the Bradenton area to be so kind and sharing. Kathleen Goerg, Chiropractor, offered to help with a fundraiser. Dr Yatros of the Island Dental Spa had heard about her story as well and was moved to offer his services to complete her smile restoration, calling her just a few days after she had returned from LA.

Debbie arrived for her first meeting later that week with Dr. Yatros and his Team. In her words, “I was shocked what he was offering to do for me. I felt so special. I had learned too that it was not only a dentist office I had walked into but a spa. Imagine me at a spa- ha! Anyway, they gave me what is called a Comfort Menu, which I always called the “How Can we Spoil You Today Menu”. With the spa treatments and Dr. Yatros' hard work the many office visits just flew by."

Through Debbie’s involvement with the kids at Anna Maria Elementary (where her daughter Sarah attends with the daughter of Missy Parker, Owner of A Pine Avenue Salon, offered to give Debbie a new look as well. Then enter Amy Strickler of the Sun & Surf, who was asked to participate on the Makeover team coordinating a debut outfit.

In Debbie’s own words, “I can’t believe how this has changed my life. I’m getting healthy, feeling better and loving every day. My plans before the smile makeover weren’t plans. I was just trying to stay alive. Those days are gone. I’ve started my own home business. I have met my neighbors who I used to shy away from. I’m gaining weight and I actually had a toothbrush in my mouth for the first time in 4 years. Now, my day starts knowing that my smile is going to make someone else smile. I don’t have to do anything but tell my wonderful story and we share goose bumps of happiness as I relay the love and care that has been bestowed upon me.