Volunteer Spotlight: Donated Dental Treatment Shared Across Generations

In the heart of Georgia, the Paulen family of New Image Dental Lab and Drs. Richard and Paten Weinman have created a legacy that has spanned generations. For the Paulens and the Weinmans, dentistry is a family affair, and both families have been united by a shared commitment to providing dental care to those in need through Dental Lifeline Network’s Donated Dental Services (DDS) program. 

The Power of Collaboration 

Prior to their involvement in the DDS program, Dr. Richard Weinman and New Image Dental Lab had established a collaborative working relationship for many years. Their dedication to providing care through Dental Lifeline Network • Georgia further strengthened their existing relationship through shared values and a common goal. The lab’s team was familiar with the Weinmans’ dental preferences, allowing them to provide the best possible restorative solutions for their DDS patients. For both families, volunteering with the DDS program is a rewarding experience. 

“A smile is a direct result of a person’s self-fulfillment and joy, along with their fundamental functional need,” said Samantha Paulen, daughter of Jeff Paulen and Director of Marketing and Operations at New Image Dental Lab. “To help restore someone’s smile is a gift worth giving that will truly impact daily life for the patient. As a dental lab, now boasting multi-generational commitment, it is rewarding to share this gift of giving back among our family and the team.” 

Where it All Began  

The Paulen family’s involvement in dentistry and the DDS program was a continuation of a legacy started by Jeff Paulen’s father, Dr. Jay Paulen. In 1984, Jeff Paulen founded New Image Dental Lab on the first floor of his father’s dental practice. Dr. Paulen had been an active member of the dental community and would volunteer his time and talent to various charitable organizations. His passion for giving back inspired his son, Jeff, and the entire Paulen family to continue the same path. Since its establishment, New Image Dental Lab has been a family-run business, and its members have dedicated themselves to providing dental care through the DDS program. 

Similarly, Dr. Paten Weinman, a general dentist, continues the dental legacy of his family. His great uncle and both of his parents were dentists, and his family has served the community in Atlanta since the early 1940s. Dr. Richard Weinman, Dr. Paten Weinman’s father, first discovered the DDS program in 2004 while reading an article about it in a dental publication.  

Inspired by the idea of offering care to those in need in his own office, Dr. Richard Weinman reached out to Dr. Larry Coffee, the founder of DLN. Dr. Coffee’s enthusiasm was contagious and inspired Dr. Weinman to initiate Dental Lifeline Network • Georgia’s Donated Dental Services (DDS) program.   

The Paulen and Weinman Families’ Impact 

These volunteers have been an integral part of DLN’s mission since their involvement in the program. New Image Dental Lab has donated $31,900 in lab fabrications and helped change the lives of 58 individuals needing help during their 18 years as a DDS volunteer. Their commitment to excellence in dental prosthetics has made a significant impact on the lives of countless patients. 

Dr. Richard Weinman treated 20 DDS patients in his 20 years as a volunteer and he chaired the Dental Lifeline Network • Georgia Leadership Council for many years.  

“DLN has allowed me to provide care to a group that would otherwise be unable to receive it,” said Dr. Richard Weinman. “It’s very important for our communities, and for medically compromised patients, it can mean a world of a difference.” 

Dr. Paten Weinman carries on his father’s legacy by continuing to serve DDS patients with the same level of compassion and expertise. He has volunteered for four years and has seen five patients in that time. 

The Weinman and Paulen families continue to support Dental Lifeline Network together. Their commitment to providing dental care through the DDS program has not only improved the lives of countless individuals but has also created a legacy of giving back within each family. The next generation, including Dr. Paten Weinman, and the Paulen daughters, who work in various roles at New Image Dental Lab, are continuing to carry on this legacy of giving that was passed down to them. As each family found joy and fulfillment in helping others, their work has had a profound impact on those most in need.