Dental Lifeline Network seeks volunteers for its Donated Dental Services program

With over 7,000 on national waiting list, ADA president encourages dentists to see one patient a year

Dental Lifeline Network’s Donated Dental Services program provides comprehensive donated dental treatment to vulnerable individuals with disabilities or who are elderly or medically fragile.

Since its launch in 1985, the DDS program has provided over $500 million in donated dental treatment, impacting the lives of more than 166,000 vulnerable individuals.

With more than 7,000 patients currently on the national DDS waitlist, ADA President Cesar R. Sabates, D.D.S., asked dentists nationwide to volunteer to see at least one patient a year.

“Our impact as dentists goes far beyond what we might consider all in a day’s work. Imagine what patients feel when they leave our care,” said Dr. Sabates in a video message .  “When they are able to live without pain, enjoy a meal, and smile with confidence, we have made an improvement in a fellow human being’s quality of life. And that is the true work of a dentist.”

“DDS screens patients, coordinates appointments, and completes the paperwork,” said Lynda Ricketson, Chief Executive Officer of Dental Lifeline Network. “It has never been easier to impact your community as a dentist. We hope that the message from Dr. Sabates will inspire more dentists to volunteer for our program and help more patients in critical need.”

To learn more about getting involved with DLN or to explore programs in your state, visit DentalLifeline.org .