 Donated Dental Services
Celebrating 20 years of
Volunteer Dentistry for the
Elderly and Disabled
$4 Million in care for our Neediest Citizens
For More Information on Applying or Volunteering,
visit www.nfdh.org or call (866) 572-9390
May 12, 2010 declared
Donated Dental Services Day
By the Rhode Island Senate and House of Representatives
Recognition and proclamation in the Governor's State Room on May 12, 2010
(Left to Right) Dr. David Ward, Dr. Peter Schott, Dr. Craig Van Dongen, Dr. James Photopoulos, Dr. Craig Wood
Mr. Fred Leviton, Vice president and COO National Foundation for Dentistry for the Handicapped recognizing two of our sponsors: Ms. Debbie Abbruzzi from Delta Dental of Rhode Island and Dr. Roger Turkel from the Pierre Fauchard Academy
Mr. Leviton with current DDS president Dr. Marty Nager and immediate past president Dr. Nicholas Barone
Dr. Marty Nager and DDS Patient Coordinator Michelle Palmer
Mr. Fred Leviton recognizing RI Dental Association executive director Val Celentano and president Francis Connor
Dr. Nager recognizes State Senator Leo Blaisfor a grant
Ms. Pamela Lawrence tells of her experience as a patient with the DDS program
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The Rhode Island Foundation for Dentistry for the Handicapped, also known as the Donated Dental Services (DDS) program is dedicated to the premise that all people, whatever their physical and mental abilities, deserve a pain-free mouth and a healthy smile.
The mission of the Donated Dental Services program is to make oral health care accessible to disabled, aged, and medically compromised RI residents who are without the means to pay for, or otherwise access dental treatment for serious dental problems because they cannot afford dental treatment. As a result of their ages, or disabilities, many cannot work and must depend on government programs for health care.
Medicare, however, does not cover dental treatment and Rhode Island's Medicaid program limits dental benefits for adults. Consequently, many vulnerable Rhode Islanders live with painful and unsightly dental conditions and have nowhere else to turn for help. Some patients require immediate dental treatment in order to make them eligible for crucial medical treatment such as organ transplant and joint replacements. Severely decayed teeth and untreated gum disease can have a direct effect on overall health including heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, pre-term and low weight births, and other diseases.
We would also like to recognize our other financial contributors who without their help, there would be no DDS program:
Members of the Rhode Island Dental Association, Delta Dental of Rhode Island, the Pierre Fauchard Academy, June Rockwell Levy Foundation, Shapiro Family Foundation, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island, and the Rhode Island Foundation. |
The Donated Dental Services program is delighted to celebrate 20 years of helping disabled, aged, and medically compromised RI residents. To date, over 200 dentist volunteers and 60 dental labs have donated over $4 million of dental treatment in private dental offices for 2,500 Rhode Islanders. Patients who qualify for the program are treated like any other patient in the private dental office. The dentist decides what treatments are needed and schedules the patient during regular business hours. If a specialist or dental lab is needed, the program coordinator handles the case for the patient. This is all at no charge to the patient.
Things that many of us take for granted; the ability to comfortably chew food, absence of pain, or a pleasant smile are made possible by the Donated Dental Services program. On behalf of people who slip through the cracks, who do not have financial resources, insurance or government entitlement to receive oral care, we want to thank ALL of our volunteers and recognize the top five dentist volunteers over the years for their significant and often life-changing contributions to those in need. Drs. David Ward, Peter Schott, Craig Van Dongen, James Photopoulos, and Craig Wood. Mr. Richard and Mr. Ryan Napolitano from Precision Craft Dental Lab were also honored as the top dental lab volunteers.
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