Myrtle, 78, is a widow from Birmingham who lives alone and enjoys painting. She has overcome an incredible amount of challenges in her life. Years ago, she was in a car accident that broke her jaw and many of her teeth; she also survived a stroke, and as a result, has a weakness on one side of her body and uses a walker. Myrtle has fought breast cancer and recently, she fell and broke her hip and ankle.
In addition to these challenges, Myrtle’s dental issues were also significant. With many missing and decayed teeth, she was in pain and her physician was concerned about her dental infections affecting her overall health. She was desperate for help but was unable to afford the dental treatment she needed. Myrtle survives on a Social Security benefit and struggles to make ends meet. Sadly, dental treatment appeared to be beyond her reach.
How DDS Helped
Fortunately, Myrtle applied to the Donated Dental Services (DDS) program and was linked with two generous volunteers.
- Dr. Ken Friday restored three teeth, extracted 24 teeth and donated a full upper denture and a lower partial denture.
- Burdette Dental Laboratory fabricated a full upper denture and a partial lower denture at no cost.
“Throughout my years of involvement, all the referred patients have been very appreciative and such a blessing to myself and our staff. Myrtle was such a joy to treat. Working with DLN is such a wonderful way to meet the needs of others with your hands and heart.” — Dr. Ken Friday, DDS Volunteer
Alabama Donated Dental Services (DDS) is a program of Dental Lifeline Network, a national humanitarian organization and a strategic partner of the ADA, providing access to comprehensive dental care for people with disabilities or who are elderly or medically fragile and have no other way to get help. Nationally, 16,000 dentists and 3,500 laboratories volunteer for DDS.
Learn more about volunteering or to learn about DDS in your state, visit our state pages.
