Every Child Deserves A Confident Smile
Giving Back to the Communities We Love
The Adopt-An-Astronaut Program was born from a simple belief: every child deserves the confidence that comes with a healthy, beautiful smile — regardless of their family’s financial situation. Dr. Patel and the Quest Orthodontics team created this program to remove the financial barriers that too often stand between children and the orthodontic care they need.
We know that for many families, the cost of braces can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to identify children with a genuine need for treatment and provide them with the same exceptional, board-certified care that every Quest patient receives — completely free of charge.
Give the Gift of a Smile
Every great mission needs a crew. That’s why we created the Quest Astronaut Plushie — an adorable, mission-ready companion you can take home from either of our locations. But this little astronaut does more than sit on a shelf.
100% of every plushie purchase goes directly into the Adopt-An-Astronaut Fund — a dedicated fund used exclusively to provide free orthodontic care to children in financial need right here in Sandy Springs and Decatur. No overhead. No deductions. Every dollar you spend becomes a dollar invested in a child’s confidence, health, and future.
It’s one of the simplest ways to make a real difference. Pick one up at your next appointment, or ask our front desk team about purchasing one today.
100% Goes to the Fund
Every cent from your plushie purchase is deposited directly into the Adopt-An-Astronaut Fund. We cover all production costs separately so your contribution goes entirely toward a child's care.
Local Impact
The fund supports children right here in the Sandy Springs and Decatur communities — kids who qualify for the Adopt-An-Astronaut program and are waiting for their chance at a healthy, confident smile.
A Gift with Purpose
Whether you're buying one for your own little explorer or as a gift, every Quest Astronaut Plushie comes with a card explaining the mission — so the recipient knows their new companion is doing something meaningful in the world.
Free
Complete Orthodontic Treatment
< 18
Age Requirement for Applicants
2 Offices
Convenient Locations in Metro Atlanta
Program Qualifications
To be considered for the Adopt-An-Astronaut Program, applicants must meet all of the following criteria at the time of application.
Under 18 Years Old
The applicant must be less than 18 years of age at the time the application is submitted.
Excellent Oral Hygiene
The applicant must demonstrate good oral hygiene habits and have no unfilled cavities at the time of application.
Current on Dental Visits
The applicant must be up to date on dental check-ups and any necessary restorations, such as fillings or crowns.
Moderate to Severe Need
The applicant must have a moderate to severe clinical need for orthodontic treatment, as determined by Dr. Patel's evaluation.
Not Currently in Treatment
The applicant must not be enrolled in or currently receiving any orthodontic treatment at the time of application.
Proof of Financial Hardship
The applicant must provide documentation demonstrating financial need, through one of the two accepted methods outlined below.
Two Ways to Demonstrate Eligibility
1
Government Assistance Programs
Proof of enrollment in any one of the following federal or state assistance programs is accepted as documentation of financial hardship:
- Medicaid / CHIP
- SNAP (EBT / Food Stamps)
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
- Foster Care Placement
Acceptable proof includes a current benefits letter, benefits card, or school confirmation. A screenshot or photo of the document is acceptable.
2
School or Professional Referral
A written referral letter from a qualified professional who can attest to the family’s financial barriers to orthodontic care is also accepted. Eligible referral sources include:
- School counselor or social worker
- Pediatric or general dentist
- Physician or medical provider
- Nonprofit or community organization
The letter simply needs to state that the child and/or family face financial barriers to receiving orthodontic care. No specific financial figures are required.
The Application Process
Applying is straightforward. Here’s exactly what happens from the moment you submit your application to the start of treatment.
Complete the Full Application Packet
Gather all required documents (listed in the checklist below) and complete every form in the application packet. Be sure to sign all required fields — electronic signatures are not accepted. Keep a copy of everything for your records.
Submit Your Application
Mail or hand-deliver your complete application to our Decatur office at 720 Church St, Decatur, GA 30030. If mailing, please ensure you use adequate postage. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Application Review
Once received, your application will be reviewed by the Quest Orthodontics Review Panel. The panel evaluates each application for eligibility, clinical need, and completeness. This process takes time, so please be patient — we review every application carefully.
Notification of Decision
You will be notified of one of three outcomes: (i) the applicant qualifies for the program, (ii) the applicant is not eligible at this time, or (iii) a further evaluation is needed due to oral hygiene, dental development, or other clinical considerations.
Waitlist (If Applicable)
If the applicant qualifies but there are no current openings in the program, they will be placed on a waitlist and notified as soon as a spot becomes available. We appreciate your patience — spots are limited and demand is high.
Begin Treatment
Once accepted and a spot is available, the applicant will begin their orthodontic journey with Dr. Patel. Treatment is provided at the same exceptional standard as every Quest Orthodontics patient — board-certified care, advanced technology, and a team that genuinely cares.
Table of Contents for the Application
Proof of Financial Hardship or Referral Letter
Government benefits documentation or a signed referral from a qualified professional
Dental Health Certification (Page 4)
Must be completed and signed by the applicant's current dentist, confirming adequate dental health for orthodontic treatment
Program Rules and Guidelines (Pages 6–7)
Parent/guardian must initial each item, confirming understanding of all program rules and expectations
General Application (Page 3)
Applicant's personal information, parent/guardian details, and how you heard about the program
Notice of Privacy Practices (Page 5)
Signed acknowledgment that you have received and reviewed the program's HIPAA privacy notice
Consent and Hold Harmless Agreement (Page 8)
Must be hand-signed by the parent or guardian — electronic signatures are not accepted
Rules & Guidelines
Orthodontic Treatment Only
Quest Orthodontics provides orthodontic treatment exclusively through this program. Any extractions, cleanings, oral surgery, or other dental work required before, during, or after treatment is the financial responsibility of the participant's family.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Participants must maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout treatment, with no unfilled cavities. Regular dental cleanings every six months are required. Poor oral hygiene is grounds for removal from the program.
Limited Availability — No Guarantees
Program spots are limited. Qualifying for the program does not guarantee immediate placement. Quest Orthodontics cannot guarantee a spot even to eligible applicants, and waitlist placement may apply.
Respectful Conduct Required
Participants who are uncooperative or disrespectful toward Quest Orthodontics staff may be removed from the program at any time — including during the application process, before treatment begins, or mid-treatment. Removal for cause results in permanent ineligibility to reapply.
Keep All Scheduled Appointments
Regular appointments are essential for proper treatment progress. Appointments may be scheduled during non-peak hours. Cancellations require at least 24 hours' notice. Missing appointments without notice is grounds for removal from the program.
Follow the Treatment Plan
Participants must fully comply with the treatment plan set by Dr. Patel, including proper use of bands, appliances, and retainers. Failure to follow the treatment plan may result in removal from the program.
Relocation During Treatment
If the applicant moves before treatment is complete, they must notify Quest Orthodontics immediately. The applicant will be removed from the program and will be responsible for arranging and financing continued care with a new provider.
Care for Your Appliances
Participants must avoid hard and sticky foods and must not pull on their braces. Frequent appliance damage may result in removal from the program or charges for repairs, which are not covered by the program.
One Retainer Provided
One retainer is included as part of the program at no charge upon completion of treatment. If this retainer is lost or damaged, the participant will be responsible for the cost of a replacement.
Privacy & Health Information
Keep All Scheduled Appointments
Regular appointments are essential for proper treatment progress. Appointments may be scheduled during non-peak hours. Cancellations require at least 24 hours' notice. Missing appointments without notice is grounds for removal from the program.
Our Duties
Quest Orthodontics is required by law to maintain the privacy of your protected health information, to provide you with this notice of privacy practices, and to notify you in the event of a breach of your unsecured health information. We reserve the right to amend our privacy policies as permitted by law. The most current version will always be available upon request. This notice is effective on or after January 1, 2026.
Your Individual Rights
Under federal privacy standards, you have the following rights regarding your health information:
- Request an electronic or paper copy of your records
- Request confidential communications
- Request restrictions on use and disclosure
- Inspect and copy your protected health information
- Submit amendments or corrections to your records
- Receive an accounting of disclosures made
- Receive a printed copy of this privacy notice
- File a complaint without fear of retaliation
Questions or Complaints
Quest Orthodontics
720 Church Street
Decatur, GA 30030
You may also contact the Secretary of Health and Human Services. You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.