WEST ALLIS — Dentists volunteering through the Wisconsin Dental Association Foundation’s Donated Dental Services (DDS) program provided 142 disabled, senior, low-income and uninsured Wisconsin adults with $559,105 in much-needed charitable dental care between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018. In addition, dental laboratories across the state contributed $23,761 in materials and services.

DDS 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. Patients are selected on the basis of financial need and a phone interview with a referral coordinator. A patient 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 the necessary comprehensive dental care.

The DDS program is currently accepting applications for patient slots in all Wisconsin counties. Download a Donated Dental Services application or complete it online on WDA.org.

Residents of Calumet, Dodge, Door, Fond du Lac, Grant, Green, Jefferson, Kenosha, Kewaunee, Lafayette, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Rock, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha and Winnebago counties interested in applying for DDS assistance may call 888-338-6852. Residents of all other Wisconsin counties should call 866-812-9840.

The DDS program was established in 1998. Since then, some 864 volunteer dentists have provided more than $11.7 million in comprehensive dental care at no charge to 3,883 adults in need. An additional $813,353 in supplies and services has been donated by 159 dental labs.