For Debbie, 70, the basic need to live independently and receive dental care was strained by the burden of health issues and financial stress. Sadly, Debbie’s numerous medical problems caused her to completely exhaust all her savings, leaving nothing left for the essential dental treatment she so desperately needed, until Dental Lifeline Network stepped in to help.
A Florida resident who lives alone, Debbie struggles with a variety of health issues. Battling polycystic kidney disease led to Debbie needing two kidney transplants involving years of waiting and subsequent medical care for each. Post surgery, Debbie has been diagnosed with Type II Diabetes and has developed eye problems, forcing her to use a cane or walker to get around.
Compounding these challenges, the ongoing medications required for Debbie’s treatments took a toll on her oral health with a missing front tooth and underlying teeth decay.
Despite dedicating over 40 years of her career as an insurance administrator for multiple McDonald’s franchises, Debbie could not afford the dental care she desperately needed. Unfortunately, Debbie’s kidney surgeries and ongoing medical needs completely depleted her savings and prevented her from getting the care necessary to restore her oral health.
DDS Volunteers Make a Difference, No Matter the Weather
Thankfully, the opportunity to get treatment through Dental Lifeline Network’s Donated Dental Services (DDS) program changed Debbie’s life. General dentist and DLN National Board of Directors Secretary, Dr. Terry Buckenheimer, who had previously treated Debbie as a patient and understood her challenges, encouraged her to apply for the DDS program. Although he was about to retire, Dr. Buckenheimer offered his volunteer services to take on her case!
Undeterred by hurricane season and the challenges of running his office on a generator in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, Dr. Buckenheimer prioritized Debbie’s appointments and ensured she received the necessary treatment and timely care. Working with a volunteer lab, Smile Dezign, Dr. Buckenheimer provided Debbie with two three-unit bridges and a nightguard, resulting in thousands of dollars in donated treatment that restored Debbie’s oral health!
“I was able to give my care to this one special patient and bring her back to oral health, and I was able to see why I had loved dentistry for 45 years when I could care for Debbie in this meaningful way,” reflected Dr. Buckenheimer. “All my staff were thrilled that we were able to do this for Debbie, who never complained about her unending medical problems, and our lab, who donated his services, was overjoyed with the outcome. I have been truly blessed throughout my career and this experience was the icing on the cake.”
Thanks to her treatment, Debbie can now go out and enjoy her retirement, something she says wouldn’t have been possible with her previous missing tooth and underlying issues.
“The Donated Dental Services (DDS) program is a blessing to those in need, and it’s absolutely wonderful,” said Debbie. “In the last 6 years I have been quite ill, and the program came at a time when I really needed help. I’m very grateful for what they did for me– and now, I’ve made it to age 70, which I never thought I would.”
With DLN, You Can Change the Lives of Individuals Like Debbie
Dr. Buckenheimer’s final DDS case before retirement exemplifies the impact that you can make as a DDS volunteer. By volunteering with Dental Lifeline Network, dental professionals like you can transform the lives of individuals in need directly from their own office.
Currently, there are many DDS patients like Debbie are waiting for care. Whether you’re a dental office or a lab, DLN makes it easy for you to volunteer and give back.
“I volunteer for the DDS program because there’s immense value in helping the less fortunate,” said Eric Johnson, Smile Dezign Lab. “Volunteering with DLN is an easy way to use your expertise to help others and experience the joy of giving back.”
Don’t wait! Visit WhyIDental.org to change the lives of individuals in need of dental care.
