Wisconsin dentists donate $1 million in care

Jul 19, 2009

Volunteer Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA) dentists participating in the WDA Foundation's Donated Dental Services program provided a record-setting $1 million of comprehensive oral health care to disabled, senior, poor, and uninsured state residents who qualified for the program in the 2008-2009 fiscal year (end-June 30), the organization announced.

Since the program began 11 years ago, 527 dentists have donated more than $5.2 million in care to 2,010 patients, the WDA said.

Donated Dental Services patients 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 ability. The average patient requires extensive dental work, usually including bridges, crowns, or dentures, that today is valued at more than $3,500 per individual, according to the WDA.

Since 1998, Donated Dental Services patients have been selected on the basis of financial need and a personal phone interview with a referral coordinator. A patient candidate then visits a volunteer dentist who assesses dental need and decides whether to accept the financial and clinical responsibilities of providing comprehensive dental care for the individual.

Members of the state Legislature worked with then Gov. Tommy Thompson to initially provide financial support for nonclinical program administrative costs at $40,000 annually through the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services (now the Department of Health Services). Since 2006, the state budget has included $60,000 annually to help increase the program's staff capacity, so a growing number of eligible patients can be matched with WDA member dentists willing to donate their time, financial resources, and professional expertise.

For every dollar in state funds designated to program administration, participating dentists donate an average of $16 in clinical expertise, treatment, and materials. In addition, 116 dental laboratories have donated more than $404,000 in supplies and services in the fabrication of bridges, crowns, and dentures over 11 years.