Donated Dental Services

DDS dentists have donated over $2 million so far. The 180
volunteers donate over $184, 000 a year in free private practice dentistry
to over 140 patients.

The Donated Dental Services (DDS) of the Rhode Island Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped reached a huge milestone—over $2,000,000 worth of donated services. Since 1989, 180 volunteer dentists and 59 dental laboratories throughout Rhode Island have donated more than $184,000 a year in free private practice dentistry to over 140 patients with seriously neglected dental problems. Because of their disabilities, these people could not afford this treatment and were not eligible for public aid.

Bob T. is one such individual. He is 33 years old and is confined to a wheelchair because of a gunshot wound he sustained during a robbery three years ago. Bob lives on a monthly Social Security income of only $540 a month and his housing, food, medication, and transportation expenses are so large that he could not afford dental care. While he receives medical assistance as part of his disability benefits, only one dentist was available and Bob had to be carried up several flights of stairs to access the dental office several years ago. When he applied to the DDS program, he needed extensive treatment.

Thanks to the DDS program, Bob was matched with a volunteer dentist who found that Bob needed restorations, endodontic care, oral surgery, and orthodontic treatment. A volunteer oral surgeon, Dr. S., did the extractions and a volunteer orthodontist donated braces. Bob received $4,820 worth of services from these caring volunteers and wrote:

"I would like to express my appreciation for all the time and work you and your staff spent on my orthodontic work. Dr. G., I spent just about half my life embarrassed about my teeth. Now thanks to you I can't seem to stop smiling. Once again, thank you, Dr. G. for your generous gift of a happy, healthy smile."

Your Friend,
Bob T.

For more information on volunteering in the DDS Program, call (401) 728-9448.