Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What type of patients are accepted for the Donated Dental Services (DDS) Program?
- Only people with disabilities or who are elderly or medically compromised and can’t afford care are accepted in the program.
What type of organization is Dental Lifeline Network?
- DLN is a national non-profit and strategic partner of the ADA. It was created in 1975 to help people with disabilities to receive much needed care and has been operating the Donated Dental Services (DDS) program nationally since 1985.
Are applicants currently waiting for care through the DDS program?
- Yes, nationally over 7,600 patients are waiting for treatment.
Are more labs needed?
- Yes, more labs are needed.
How do I know patients qualify for the program?
- A trained Case Manager/Coordinator screens every applicant before they are referred to your office. They remove barriers to care by ensuring the patient has reliable transportation, is committed to treatment, and will arrive on time and truly appreciate your help.
Do patients pay for treatment?
- No, this program asks that you donate your treatment.
Who determines the treatment plan?
- General dentists determine the treatment plan.
What if specialists or labs are needed for the treatment plan?
- Case Managers/Coordinators work with specialists and the labs who also volunteer their services, many who you already work with.
Do I receive compensation for lab expenses?
- No. Labs volunteer their services.
How much paper work is involved?
- Very little paper work is required. We ask that you submit a one-page on-line or hardcopy document, indicating how much treatment you donated, time spent and services provided.
I already volunteer with another organization; why should I volunteer through DDS?
- Great! Then you know that feeling of helping someone who truly needs it. The best part of DDS is that you pick WHEN you donate and WHO you treat—no working on someone else’s timeframe or patient roster, and no traveling to another location.
Why donate through DDS? I already do pro-bono work in my practice?
- Most labs do. Although such charity work doesn’t get public notice, it needs to be quantified so state policymakers know exactly how much our profession does to help the people who fall through the cracks. Many of your pro-bono patients might even qualify for the DDS program.
Can I really make a difference?
- Treating a DDS patient doesn’t just improve oral health, it can save someone’s life! Whether restoring a smile and self-confidence, or clearing up an infection that had delayed surgery, cancer treatment, dialysis, or organ transplant, your donation WILL be life-changing.
What if now isn’t a good time?
- That’s ok, DDS can wait. But please sign up NOW so you’re ready when that time comes; the DDS Case Manager/Coordinator can check back with you in a month, a year, or any date you name. DDS will let you know about future needs so you can say yes when the time is right for YOU.
How many cases am I expected to accept?
- You decide how many cases you accept. The choice is entirely up to you.
How do I become involved in a case?
- Your DLN Coordinator will reach out to you when a case has a need for lab services that you may be able to assist with. You can specify the service types that your lab is able to provide, and can either accept or decline any case. You will always be contacted ahead of time to get prior approval for each case. You will never be given a case without your prior approval.
What if I receive a case from a dental office that I did not agree to participate in?
- Dental offices will send all cases and prescriptions marked “Donated”. If you receive a case marked “Donated” and do not have paperwork for the case or did not agree to help this patient, please contact your coordinator before starting work.
What if there is an issue with a dentist office or patient?
- If there are any issues or concerns with a patient or dentist office, please contact your coordinator immediately. Your coordinator is responsible for ensuring that your volunteer experience goes smoothly.
Do patients understand what is expected of them, and how the program works?
- Patients are provided program guidelines that outline program expectations to ensure that you and the patient have a rewarding experience.
What is the end objective of this program for each case?
- The goal of the program is to return the patients to good oral health, allowing them to reach an affordable maintenance level. DLN does not expect volunteers to donate ongoing dental maintenance to patients.
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Dental Lifeline Network
1800 15th Street, Suite 100
Denver, CO 80202
1800 15th Street, Suite 100
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 303.534.5360
Fax: 303.534.5290
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