Dental Lifeline Network is celebrating 50 years of service!

1974 – 2024

50 Years of Life Changing Transformations

HELP US CELEBRATE!

Be a part of the celebration and view our 50th Anniversary Board.

25,000+
Volunteer
Dentists & Labs

”I wanted you to know that you’ve changed my life” – Billie, patient

168,000
Life-Changing
Transformations

This program is a Godsend for patients who don’t have the resources to receive the care they need.” – Dr. Nottage, DLN volunteer dentist

$540,000,000
In Donated
Care

“It’s such a blessing to finally feel like a whole person and to be able to smile at people with my whole mouth. And as strange as it seems, I feel more respect from others.” – Artbella, patient

HELP US CELEBRATE!

Join us in making a difference for the next 50 years and beyond!

50 YEARS OF MILESTONES

Take a look back in time to see some of the important milestones that helped us reach 50 years.

1974

Organization Established

The National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped in Colorado, later renamed Dental Lifeline Network, was founded by Dr. Larry Coffee in 1974. Dr. Coffee dreamed of making a difference in oral health by changing the lives of people with developmental disabilities including his beloved sister, Barbie.
1975

Campaign of Concern/BRIDGE program launched in CO

The Colorado Campaign of Concern (COC) program was started to provide oral hygiene training for individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities and their caregivers, family, or support staff. Operating throughout the state of Colorado, the program also helps to match clients who need dental care with a dentists who can provide the services.
1985

Donated Dental Services (DDS) program launched

The DDS program provides free, comprehensive dental treatment to our country’s most vulnerable adults with disabilities or who are elderly or medically fragile. Since its inception in 1985, the DDS program has surpassed $500 million in donated dental treatment, transforming the lives of more than 170,000 people in need.
1988

DDS Goes National

Dr. Justin Stone founded the New Jersey program in 1988, officially taking the DDS program to the national level. By 2004, the DDS program was in all 50 states.
1988

Headquarters Established

The National office, located in Downtown Denver, CO was established. Located in the historic Wewatta Transfer Lofts, the building still serves as the national headquarters today.
2001

DDS Program Reaches $50 million Milestone

Thanks to the generous volunteers and donors, $50 million dollars in donated treatment was reached.
2015

Brian D. Stone Award Created

Established by Drs. Joy and Justin Stone of New Jersey, in honor of their son, Brian D. Stone. DLN partners with accredited schools and the award recognizes future dental professionals who believe in the importance of volunteerism and helping our most vulnerable populations.
2021

Reached $500m in donated dental treatment

DLN reached half a billion dollars in donated dental treatment in 2021, which helped 165,000 patients receive care since the organization’s inception.