National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped

The National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped has three established programs designed to improve the oral health of the disabled:

- Donated Dental Services (DDS) Program -- NFDH uses volunteers to provide dental treatment and appliances to special needs patients who cannot afford treatment, yet do not qualify for public aid. Over 13,000 dentists and 3,000 dental laboratories are enrolled in the program. So dentists and laboratories can focus on what they do best, a DDS Coordinator acts as a liaison between the patient and the volunteer.

- Bridge/Campaign of Concern (New Jersey and Colorado only) -- This outreach program is focused on providing services to people who are developmentally disabled. In New Jersey, it brings dental hygienists to schools, vocational centers and group homes. Bridge helps reduce the possibility of dental disease by providing preventive educational services and oral screenings to determine the need for treatment. In Colorado, activity is focused on providing training to caregivers of developmentally disabled people in order to help them prevent dental disease from occurring.

- Dental HouseCalls (Colorado, Illinois and New Jersey only) -- Disabled and elderly patients who are housebound may not be getting the professional dental care they need, and the results can be devastating. Those who cannot be accommodated at a dental office often benefit from dental visits at home. A portable dental office is transported by van to homes, nursing homes, daycare programs or residential centers and set up in-house by a full-time coordinator, who also schedules the appointments. Through this program, dentists are able to provide a wide range of dental services for free or at a reduced fee.

Fortunately, there are many resources to help indigent special needs patients get the dental care they need. Many dental offices are able to accommodate disabled patients, and public aid programs offer assistance to those who qualify. If these resources are unable to meet your needs, the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped may be of assistance. For more information, visit the NFDH website at www.nfdh.org/joomla_nfdh.

The NFDH is looking for caring, compassionate dentists to volunteer their time and provide their services to those on their waiting list.  Donated lab work is also arranged for each case. If you are interested in making a difference in your community, contact the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped directly via phone or by filling out the volunteer form on their website.

Those looking to make a donation to the Foundation can also do so online, by mail or by phone. Donations may be made in memory or honor of a friend or family member. For every $1 in donations made to the organization, the NFDH provides $15 in charitable treatment and other direct-care services.