FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

WEST ALLIS, WIS., Feb. 21, 2008 – More than 520 volunteer Wisconsin Dental Association dentists have provided free, comprehensive oral health care valued at $3.75 million to 1,558 disabled, senior, poor and uninsured state residents since the WDA Foundation’s Donated Dental Services program began in 1998.

These 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 capability. The average DDS case requires extensive dental work, usually including bridges, crowns or dentures, and is valued at more than $2,700.

DDS patients are selected on the basis of a personal application and phone interview with a referral coordinator. The DDS candidate then visits a volunteer dentist who assesses the individual’s dental needs 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 first fund the DDS program at $40,000 annually through the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services. Since 2006, the state budget has included $60,000 for the DDS program to help provide the necessary staff to match a growing number of eligible patients with WDA member dentists willing to donate their time, financial resources and professional expertise.

For every one dollar in state funds, participating dentists donate an average of eight dollars in services and materials. In addition, 110 dental laboratories have donated more than $305,000 in supplies and services in the fabrication of bridges, crowns and dentures during the past 10 years. WDA Insurance Programs, Inc. and Delta Dental of Wisconsin have been invaluable in providing additional financial support.

People with physical or developmental disabilities often cannot care for their oral health and have difficulties getting treatment. Their problems are exacerbated, because patients with disabilities lack the financial means and do not qualify for assistance. The DDS program helps restore patients’ oral health and improve their oral hygiene and self-esteem.

“I find great personal satisfaction both in doing something for someone in need and for challenging my skills and knowledge to provide the best for my DDS patients,” says volunteer general dentist Dr. Jim Del Balso.

For more information on the DDS program, residents of Milwaukee, Kenosha, Ozaukee, Racine, Washington and Waukesha counties should contact Referral Coordinator Julie Wilk at 888-338-6852 or jwilk@wda.org. Individuals living in all other Wisconsin counties should contact Referral Coordinator Bonnie Townsend at 866-812-9840 or btownsend@wda.org.

The WDA Foundation was created as the charitable arm of the Wisconsin Dental Association in 1957. A qualified, tax-exempt corporation, the foundation provides scholarships to dental and dental hygiene students attending accredited schools in Wisconsin. It also gives financial support to projects providing dental care to the underserved and other dental-related philanthropic endeavors. The foundation also administers the Donated Dental Services program.

Established in 1870, the WDA is headquartered in West Allis. With more than 2,900 members statewide, the WDA represents the vast majority of practicing dentists in Wisconsin. Its members are committed to promoting professional excellence and quality oral health care. The WDA is one of 53 constituent (state-territorial) dental societies of the American Dental Association - the largest and oldest national dental association in the world. For more information on the WDA or the WDA Foundation, call 414-276-4520 or visit www.wda.org.

WDA Foundation - 50 Years Supporting Wisconsin Dentistry

CONTACT:                 Carol S. Weber, APR, Director of Public Relations
PHONE:                     414-755-4108
E-MAIL:                     cweber@wda.org