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Fred Leviton, Scott Wolpin, DMD. 

The Dental Lifeline Network (DLN) sponsored Donated Dental Services (DDS) program provides free, comprehensive dental treatment to our country’s most vulnerable people with disabilities or who are elderly or medically fragile. These are people who cannot afford necessary treatment and cannot get public aid. The program operates through a volunteer network of more than 15,000 dentists and 3,500 dental labs across the United States. Since its inception in 1985, this program has surpassed $330 million in donated dental services, transforming the lives of 117,000 people. On Veteran’s Day 2018, DLN will ask its cadre of volunteer dentists to provide comprehensive dental treatment to one veteran, who is either disabled, elderly or medically fragile, each year in their offices. A commendable endeavor and much needed as only one out of ten veterans qualify for dental care through their VA benefits. So what does this have to do with Health Centers? When the veterans finish their comprehensive dental treatment, they will need an established dental home for ongoing maintenance and periodic recalls. That is where FQHCs can come in. Think about it. That veteran could have sought care at your health center as “no one is refused care due to inability to pay,” but instead they were gifted with the restoration of their oral health by the DDS program. Your health center is being asked to accept an individual who has already had their dental work completed and just needs routine follow up. It is a gift as the veteran gets continuity of care and the health center can cite its participation in this program in their annual narrative for their 330 continuation or competitive grant. The current Administration has a strong commitment to these veterans and their health care. It is a win/win for everyone. Come, listen and hear how you too can play a role in this exciting new endeavor.