What’s Stopping You from JOINING THE NETWORK?
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 7,000 patients are waiting for treatment.
Are more dentists needed?
Yes, more dentists are needed, including specialists and labs too.
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.
Where do I treat patients?
Pre-screened patients are treated in your office, so you can use your equipment and be assisted by your staff.
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.
As a dentist, do I pay for lab expenses?
No, labs also 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.
How much time does this take?
It doesn’t take any extra time; you treat the DDS patient during your regular office hours.
Why donate through DDS, I already do pro-bono work in my practice?
Most dentists 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.
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Contact
1800 15th Street, Suite 100
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 303.534.5360
Fax: 303.534.5290
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