In West Palm Beach, where vibrant community spirit meets a deep sense of giving, Dr. Scott McCranels stands out as a true champion of transformation. As an orthodontist, he has spent decades shaping smiles—and as a philanthropist, he has changed lives through his steadfast dedication to Smiles Change Lives (SCL).
For nearly 25 years, Dr. McCranels has been at the forefront of SCL, a nonprofit organization providing orthodontic care to children from underserved families. He was instrumental in anchoring the program in Palm Beach when it was still known as the Virginia Brown Community Orthodontic Partnership. His leadership, both as a participating doctor and a board member, inspired peers in the local orthodontic community to join the cause. Today, the Palm Beach program remains a model for SCL nationwide, demonstrating the profound impact of local commitment.
Each year, Dr. McCranels usually takes on three SCL cases, donating $6,000 to $7,000 worth of care per patient over an average of two years. These children—some as young as 10—often face significant challenges, from moderate to severe dental issues, which can greatly affect their confidence and quality of life. Families served by SCL face financial barriers that prevent them from accessing necessary orthodontic care. By alleviating this burden, the program restores not only smiles but also a sense of hope and possibility for the future.
"Dr. McCranels' early leadership in Palm Beach not only changed lives locally but also demonstrated what’s possible when a community rallies together," says Alexis Barclay, Vice President of Smiles Change Lives. "His work laid the groundwork for Smiles Change Lives to expand into other cities and states, ultimately achieving the vision of helping kids nationwide."
For Dr. McCranels, the results are deeply personal and rewarding. “It’s incredible to see how a confident smile transforms a child’s personality,” he says. “Especially in today’s world of social media, where bullying can be relentless and everyone has a camera in their hand.” Dr. McCranels also points out that the psychological effects of having a healthy smile go far beyond childhood. These transformations cascade into adulthood, often boosting academic and professional opportunities.
The legacy of giving runs deep in the McCranels family. His parents founded the family orthodontic practice in 1967 near Clematis Street, making it the longest-running orthodontic practice in Palm Beach County. His mother, Joann, now 86, still serves as the bookkeeper, while his sister Tammy works as a dental hygienist. The sense of family connection and community is woven into the practice’s very foundation, making it more than just a business—it’s a cornerstone of the West Palm Beach community.
Before he followed his father into orthodontics, Dr. McCranels spent 14 years as a professional surfer, traveling the world and earning the funds to pay for his education. He even placed 12th in the ASP World Tour in the mid-1980s. During this time, he gained a deep appreciation for discipline, resilience, and adaptability, qualities that continue to shape his professional and philanthropic endeavors.
Since 1998, he has also served on the boards of the YMCA of the Palm Beaches and the Surfing Florida Museum—showcasing his passion for community, culture, and recreation.
But it is Dr. McCranels’ work with Smiles Change Lives that best exemplifies how passion can be transformed into meaningful action. By providing children with access to life-changing orthodontic care, he not only changes their smiles but also reshapes their futures. The impact of his work creates a ripple effect, touching lives far beyond what even he can see. A confident child may grow into an accomplished adult, their opportunities expanded by the gift of self-esteem. These unseen but enduring benefits remind us that our actions today tell the story of our legacy long after we are gone. Dr. McCranels’ unwavering commitment ensures that his is a legacy defined by compassion, service, and a profound belief in the power of transformation.
It's what you wear from ear to ear
And not from head to toe that matters.
- from the Broadway musical Annie