Applications are now open for treatment slots in the Donated Dental Services (DDS) program provided through the Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA) Foundation.
The program works with patients who don’t qualify for government assistance programs and who can’t afford dental care. Many DDS patients need extensive dental work that can include bridges, crowns or dentures at an average individual treatment cost of $3,937, according to a press release from the WDA Foundation.
Chippewa Valley residents interested in applying for the program can get more information by calling (toll-free) 866-812-9840. Applications can be downloaded from www.wda.org.
Patients are selected on the basis of financial need and a phone interview with a referral coordinator. A patient candidate then visits a volunteer dentist who assesses the individual’s dental needs and decides whether to accept the financial and clinical responsibilities of providing the whatever comprehensive dental care is needed.
“DDS is such a rewarding program to participate in,” said Dr. Christine Jones, a general dentist in La Crosse. “The patients are so appreciative of the care they receive, and it’s wonderful to be able to help them smile again! It is a great opportunity to really make a difference in someone’s life.”
Dentists volunteering through the program provided 142 disabled, senior, low-income and uninsured Wisconsin adults with $559,105 in much-needed dental care between July 1, 2017 and June 30 of this year. In addition, dental laboratories across the state contributed $23,761 in materials and services, according to the WDA Foundation.
The state of Wisconsin and the Delta Dental of Wisconsin Foundation have provided some monetary support for administrative and lab costs. Participating dentists often donate more than $8 in clinical expertise, treatment and materials for every dollar contributed to the program.
The DDS program was established in 1998. Since then, some 864 volunteer dentists have provided more than $11.7 million in comprehensive dental care at no charge to 3,883 adults in need. An additional $813,353 in supplies and services has been donated by 159 dental labs.
The WDA, established in 1870, has a membership of about 3,000 dentists plus a number if dental hygienists. There are currently some 3,500 licensed dentists in the state.