Dental Lifeline Network has been offering a solution for those facing barriers to accessing dental care for over 50 years. DLN’s mission is to change the lives of America’s most vulnerable adults through our coordinated system of care, and we achieve this mission through a network of dedicated volunteer dentists and labs.
The Need
The DDS program transforms the lives of individuals like Candace, 52, a Florida resident with Down syndrome who lives with her mother, Patricia. Due to her Down syndrome, Candace was unable to get routine help with her dental care for the past 10 years. She was missing several teeth, making eating painful and difficult. Spending her free time going to the McDonald’s Training Center 4 days a week and going bowling once a week, Candace longed not only to be pain-free, but also for a restored smile that reflected her active life.
Because of her strong bite/tongue thrusting, Candace was not a candidate for dentures. Getting by on their supplemental security income, Candace and her mother, Patricia, were unable to afford the dental care she needed to eat pain-free again.
The Solution
Thankfully, a team of amazing DDS volunteers went above and beyond to find another solution. Dr. John Redd, a general dentist in Florida who had referred Candace to the program, partnered with Bayshore Dental Studio to provide Candace with two upper and lower PFM and zirconia bridges, a more durable solution. Bayshore Dental Studio also donated a diagnostic wax up and full arch model to help with the process.
Thanks to this generous team of volunteers, what once seemed like a hopeless situation was turned around and Candace received thousands of dollars in donated treatment that restored her oral health and her smile.
“I am just so thankful that they gave her a smile again,” said Patricia, Candace’s mom. “Now Candace finally shows off her teeth.”
How You Can Help
Currently, more patients like Candace are on the DLN waitlist nationwide and are in desperate need of care. Whether you are a dental professional or a lab, DLN makes it easy to volunteer and give back.
“Bayshore Dental Studio has been working with Dental Lifeline Network for over a decade,” said Kayla, Production Supervisor at Bayshore Dental Studio. “Being able to donate life-changing restorations for these patients is extremely important and rewarding work for us. I always love sharing the success stories with our whole team here.”
Volunteer with DLN today and become part of a community dedicated to changing lives, finding purpose, and redefining success. Dr. Redd, who was honored with the Top FL DDS Volunteer award in June, has a message for those considering volunteering, a favorite song lyric that captures the spirit of giving back:
“One love. One blood. One life. You’ve got to do what you should.”
Don’t wait! Visit Why I Dental.org or scan the QR code to transform the lives of individuals in need. Your involvement makes a difference.
