When a patient’s needs go beyond a single office, our DDS volunteers step up to bridge the gap.
The Volunteers
Since joining the program in 1999, general dentist Dr. Holder has treated 42 patients and donated over $100,00 in treatment. Dr. Frederick, an oral surgeon, has volunteered for the DDS program since 2012, treating eight patients and giving over $29,000 in donated care.
“I can’t say enough about what a joy it is to work with Dental Lifeline Network patients,” expressed Dr. Wendy Holder. “Being a part of Darryl’s journey reminded me exactly why I fell in love with volunteering. It’s a gift to be able to help.”
The Need for Care
Everything changed for Darryl, a DDS patient, in 2013 when an accident left him paralyzed from the neck down. He had to undergo several surgeries, including facial reconstruction and a neck surgery, and eating and taking care of his oral health became very difficult as a result. His mother had to cut his food into fine pieces to prevent choking and to help ease his pain while eating. Despite the accident, Darryl kept his sense of humor and longed for a smile to match that.
Sadly, Darryl was unable to afford the oral health care he longed for. With no dental insurance and relying on his SSDI to get by, the dental treatment he needed was out of reach until this team of DDS volunteers intervened.
Requiring a combination of surgical expertise and restorative care, these two volunteers together with a volunteer lab stepped up to provide a comprehensive solution. Darryl received thousands of dollars in donated treatment including extractions, full upper and lower partial dentures, and other restorations. Finally, Darryl could eat without pain, and his smile showed the joy he felt.
“Thank you for the gift of love that you gave to Darryl – you were an answer to many prayers,” shared Nancy, Darryl’s mom. “We have already seen improvements in his health, and we could never thank you enough for what you did.”
Thank you, Dr. Wendy Holder and Dr. Jonathan Frederick, for changing lives through the DDS program!
