Make A Difference In The Lives Of The Medically Compromised

“From God’s ears to the Donated Dental Services program, and to you. My prayers answered.” So wrote a needy, medically-compromised individual to one of 11,000 dentists volunteering in the DDS project. DDS was designed by dentists to create an easy and convenient way to make a profound difference in the lives of elderly, disabled, and other vulnerable people. In 2003–2004 alone, more than 11,000 dentists and 2,700 dental laboratories gave of their time and expertise in order to provide 5,300 vulnerable individuals with $10.6 million in pro bono care. More than 55,000 individuals have had their dental needs met since the program’s inception in 1986.

DDS is one of several programs directed by the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped, a non-profit charitable affiliate of the American Dental Association. The DDS program has endeavored to give valuable treatment to as many needy individuals as possible. This commitment is further demonstrated in the Foundation’s national expansion of the program in 2003 from 35 states to all 50. By expanding the scope of DDS, NFDH hopes to reach out to more dentists and dental laboratories. The involvement of the wider dental community will ensure even more disadvantaged individuals will receive extensive dental treatment in the future.

The first priority of the DDS staff is to make the program work for the volunteer dentists, since they must be pleased and satisfied with their participation if the project is to benefit the patients. To that end, NFDH has implemented four program features:

1. Patient Eligibility. DDS serves disabled and aged people who cannot afford dental treatment and are unable to receive assistance through Medicaid or other programs. Each person’s condition must be severe enough to prohibit or significantly limit gainful employment. The dentist has the choice to accept or decline any case based upon a review of the patient’s case information.

2. Private Office. Unlike many volunteer service programs, DDS dentists donate services in their own offices instead of charitable treatment clinics. DDS coordinators handle transportation issues so that patients arrive at the office in a timely fashion.

3. Comprehensive Care. Volunteer dentists determine the extent of their involvement, but whatever that may be they are encouraged to provide comprehensive care as patients are expected to assume personal responsibility for maintaining their treatment and sustaining their healthy oral condition.

4. Coordination. DDS coordinators are responsible for handling all paperwork including: reviewing patient applications, matching approved patients with local dentists, reminding patients about upcoming appointments. DDS coordinators work to support the treatment plan which the dentist deems best by arranging for assistance from dental specialists and laboratories. The only paperwork for which the volunteer dentist is responsible is filling out the evaluation card upon completion of each case.

DDS in Action
Mr. G, a 53-year-old gentleman whose dental needs precluded his receiving a life-saving liver transplant, is a recent example of the generosity of DDS volunteer dentists. Unable to work since March 2003 because of severe edema, fatigue, and resulting mental confusion, Mr. G. was compelled to apply for Supplemental Security Income, approval for which is still pending. His wife also suffers from health complications that also prevent her from remaining employed. They are both responsible for the care of his wife’s grandmother who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The obvious financial constraints placed upon Mr. G. would never have enabled him to find the dental treatment he so desperately needed. If it were not for the altruistic efforts of a local DDS volunteer dentist, a DDS volunteer oral maxillofacial surgeon, and a dental laboratory, Mr. G. would not have received the 10 extractions and full dentures he needed. Their combined generosity provided Mr. G. with $7,000 in free dental treatment, and the opportunity to proceed with life-sustaining surgery.

The National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped is profoundly grateful for the continued assistance of volunteer dentists throughout the country. While many vulnerable individuals have received life- and dignity-restoring treatment through NFDH’s generous efforts there are still thousands of people who desperately need care. For more information about NFDH and the Donated Dental Services program, contact Larry Coffee, DDS at (800) 366-3331, by e-mail at lcoffee@nfdh.org, or by fax at (303) 534-5290.