Minneapolis Orthodontist Offers Halloween Candy Buy-Back Program

October 13, 2008- ST. PAUL AND MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – Halloween can be a tough time for Minneapolis Orthodontist Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth. Kids go trick-or treating and come home with loads of chewy, sticky candies. Days later, they come in for check-ups with bent wires or broken appliances caused by eating those candies. Four years ago, Eisenhuth decided to strike a deal with her young patients- exchange those candies that wreak havoc on braces for other treats instead.

She created a candy buy-back program in which patients received tokens for every pound of candy they turned in. The tokens then could be cashed in for other treats, such as gift cards to Target and other stores, iPods and Webkins. The candy buy-back program quickly became an overwhelming success, Eisenhuth said, partly because the patients knew that all of the relinquished candy would be shipped- along with toothbrushes- to U.S.

soldiers serving in Iraq. Eisenhuth and her staff first decided to send the donated candy to soldiers because one of her employees who served in the National Guard at the time had been deployed to Iraq. It is a tradition that continued after she returned, due to the patients’ enthusiasm for the program and the gratitude expressed by the soldiers who received the treats.

“We have thank-you notes on display in the office from the soldiers who received the candy last year,” Eisenhuth said. “One of them mentioned that they handed out the candy and toothbrushes to local children in Iraq, who were very appreciative of friendly American soldiers.”

Last year, patients turned in more than 600 pounds of candy. Eisenhuth is hopeful the program will be as successful this year. “Our patients have been incredibly generous in donating their candy,” she said. “They are happy to give away some of it to bring a little bit of America to our troops abroad.” The goal was to get patients to donate caramels, taffy and other candies that could damage braces, but Eisenhuth has found that many patients even donate the candy that isn’t off-limits to braces wearers. “I think that speaks volumes about the generosity of these young patients,” she said.

Get Involved
If you would like to donate candy to be sent to soldiers, or you would like more information on orthodontics, please call: (651) 406-8100 or visit Dr. Eisenhuth’s Web site: www.doctorjennifer.com. Her office is located at 3340 Sherman Ct. in Eagan.

Learn More
If you would like to learn more about Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth’s orthodontics practice, invisalign or would like to schedule a consultation with her, please call: (651) 406-8100 or visit her Web site: www.doctorjennifer.com.

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About Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth
Dr. Eisenhuth attended the University of Minnesota Dental School and graduated in the top of her class. She earned the Minnesota Association of Orthodontic Achievement Award and several academic achievement awards. She entered her orthodontic residency at the University of Minnesota and earned a certificate in orthodontics and a Master of Science degree. Dr. Eisenhuth is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. Her office is located at 3340 Sherman Court, Eagan, Minn., 55121.

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