Through the Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA) Foundation's Donated Dental Services program, 245 disabled, senior, poor, and uninsured adults across the state received more than $762,000 worth of free comprehensive dental treatment from some 200 volunteer dentists between July 1, 2010, and June 30, 2011.
The state of Wisconsin, Delta Dental of Wisconsin, and WDA Insurance and Services provide limited monetary support for administrative and lab costs. In the past, participating dentists have donated more than $8 in clinical expertise, treatment, and materials for every dollar in funding from the three entities and more than $13 in care for every dollar the state pays into the program.
The amount dentists donate will increase in fiscal year 2011-2012 when the state reduces its support of the program by $6,000.
Donated Dental Services was established in 1998. Since then, 749 volunteer dentists have donated more than $6.8 million in care to nearly 2,400 patients; 150 dental labs contributed $494,000 in additional supplies and services.
