FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – WEST ALLIS, Jan. 16, 2020 – Dentists who volunteered through the Wisconsin Dental Association Foundation’s Donated Dental Services (DDS) program provided 115 disabled, senior, low-income and uninsured Wisconsin adults with $346,494 in much-needed charitable dental care between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019. In addition, dental laboratories across the state contributed $22,073 in materials and services.
Many DDS patients generally need extensive dental work that can include bridges, crowns or dentures at an average treatment cost of about $3,013 per person.
DDS patients are those who do not qualify for government assistance programs and cannot afford dental care, because a permanent disability, chronic illness or advanced age restricts their income-earning capability. 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 necessary comprehensive dental care.
“The gratitude that these patients bring to our office would encourage anyone to participate in this program,” said Dr. Jennifer Peglow, a general dentist in Stevens Point. “I am so thankful for the opportunity to know and care for them and make a lasting impact in their lives.”
The DDS program is currently accepting applications in all Wisconsin counties. Download a Donated Dental Services application or complete it online on WDA.org.
Residents of Calumet, Dodge, Door, Fond du Lac, Grant, Green, Jefferson, Kenosha, Kewaunee, Lafayette, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Rock, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha and Winnebago counties interested in applying for DDS assistance may call 888-338-6852. Residents of all other Wisconsin counties should call 866-812-9840.
The state of Wisconsin provides limited monetary support for administrative and lab costs. Participating dentists often donate more than $6 in clinical expertise, treatment and materials for every dollar contributed to the program.
The DDS program was established in 1998. Since then, some 888 volunteer dentists have provided more than $12 million in comprehensive dental care at no charge to 3,998 adults in need. Additionally, more than $835,000 in supplies and services has been donated by 161 dental labs.
Visit the WDA Foundation donor page to learn how you can help provide tax-deductible financial support for statewide charitable dental care and oral hygiene education outreach efforts like the Donated Dental Services program.
