DLN • Pennsylvania Reaches Over
$ 20 Million in Donated Dental Treatment to Pennsylvania Patients with Special Needs
Dental Lifeline Network • Pennsylvania is celebrating a milestone of providing $ 20 million in donated dental treatment through the Pennsylvania Donated Dental Services Program ( DDS ).
Today , 570 dentists and 110 dental labs continue to volunteer their time and resources .
Since the launch of the state ’ s DDS program 26 years ago , in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Dental Association , the program has exceeded $ 20 million worth of life-changing treatment to more than 6,000 residents like Paul .
Paul , an Air Force veteran from Chester County , suffers from multiple health issues such as Parkinson ’ s Disease and tremors that cause unintentional and uncontrollable rhythmic movement of his limbs . He struggles to brush his teeth as a result of his hand tremors . Paul previously worked as a truck driver until he was unable to continue due to his health . He lives with his wife Marsha , who is also his caregiver .
Additionally , his dental health had deteriorated . Paul had many missing teeth and a few that were broken where the gums around those surrounding teeth were red and irritated . Sadly , he struggles to make ends meet and wasn ’ t able to afford the dental care he desperately needed . Unable to work , Paul survives on a small Social Security benefit . Thankfully , a DDS volunteer here in Pennsylvania , together with Glidewell Dental Laboratories provided a full upper and lower partial denture to restore his smile and help him eat comfortably again .
I would never have been able to obtain these services on my own . The dentist ’ s donations of time , skill and professionalism has been so appreciated ,” said Paul , DDS patient . “ My health has been greatly improved in a positive way .”
The $ 20 million dollars in donated dental treatment by the volunteers across Pennsylvania is a significant state milestone that contributes to the overall $ 510 million in donated dental treatment nationally .
“ This incredible milestone demonstrates the generosity of the Pennsylvania dentists and labs who volunteer with the Donated Dental Services ( DDS ) DDS program . Through their efforts , the lives of thousands of special need patients across the state have been changed .” said Dr . Bernie Dishler , DDS Dental Lifeline Network ’ s Pennsylvania Leadership Council Chair .
Dental Lifeline Network • Pennsylvania is so thankful to the volunteers and supporters across the state for the time and resources invested in helping others . These contributions have made a positive impact in changing the lives of people who needed it most . When you volunteer with the DDS program , you provide care to people with great needs right here in Pennsylvania . By seeing just ONE patient a year , you can help provide comprehensive dental care to those who otherwise could not afford it .
Currently , in Pennsylvania , people are waiting for treatment . To help decrease our waitlist , please consider volunteering to see ONE patient .
To become a volunteer :
Visit WillYouSeeOne . org or scan the QR code .
Dental Lifeline Network • Pennsylvania is part of a national organization and strategic partner of the American Dental Association . More than 15,000 volunteer dentists and 3,400 laboratories participate in DLN ’ s DDS programs nationwide .
10 JULY / AUGUST 2022 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL