Sarah, 44, lives alone in Chittenden County and suffers from degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis of the spine, which has caused her severe back pain and left her with a disability. Formerly a fast food restaurant manager, she wasn’t able to continue working due to her disability. In addition to her back problems, Sarah’s dental health was suffering and she had to have all of her teeth extracted in 2009. Sadly, Sarah could not afford to complete the needed dental treatment plan.
Unable to work, she survives on food stamps and a small Social Security Disability benefit and struggles to make ends meet. It seemed the dental treatment she needed was far beyond her reach and she would have to continue living edentulous and unable to eat many foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables.
How DDS Helped
Fortunately, Sarah was referred to the Donated Dental Services (DDS) program and she was linked with two generous volunteers.
- Dr. Kay Giulianelli preformed a dental exam and fitting for dentures.
- International Dental Arts, Inc. donated a full upper denture and partial lower denture at no cost.
“I am thankful for Dr. Kay and her staff for giving me this opportunity to have my smile back. I greatly appreciate this gift.”
—Sarah, DDS Patient
Vermont Donated Dental Services (DDS) is a program of Dental Lifeline Network, a national humanitarian organization and a strategic partner of the ADA, providing access to comprehensive dental care for people with disabilities or who are elderly or medically fragile and have no other way to get help. Nationally, 16,000 dentists and 3,500 laboratories volunteer for DDS.
Learn more about volunteering or to learn about DDS in your state, visit our state pages.
