Dental Lifeline Network: Lives on the Line

Year after year, Dental Lifeline Network has worked to provide comprehensive dentistry for society’s most vulnerable individuals; those with disabilities or who are elderly or medically fragile and have no other way to get help. The money raised through the sale of DentaCheques books and other donations generated 23.6 million dollars worth of dental care last year. With a waiting list of 17,000 patients in need, it is imperative that everyone find a way to support the work of Dental Lifeline Network, either by purchasing a book or even volunteering your time and resources.

• Each year approximately 9,000 dental offices purchase a DentaCheques book, a tax-deductible charitable contribution. DentaCheques enables dentists to save hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars on purchases of equipment and supplies for their dental practices while providing dental services to vulnerable people who are desperately in need of care. This year’s edition offers $120 in invoice discounts from Henry Schein, over $700 in complimentary products and potentially thousands of dollars of savings. Great gifts for your dental peers, there is no limit on the number of books that can be purchased.

• Each year 15,000 dentists and 3,200 dental laboratories volunteer their time and resources providing dental services on behalf of Dental Lifeline Network. Volunteering is easy with Dental Lifeline Network coordinating all arrangements with the patient in advance. The dentist simply reviews the patient profile prior to appointment, with the ability to decline the case for any reason, and then sees the patient in his/her own office to determine the treatment plan. Dental Lifeline Network will arrange for specialists and donated lab work as needed.

• Each year hundreds of companies and individuals make donations to Dental Lifeline Network. Although the revenue from the sale of DentaCheques books supplies a major source of funding for the organization, additional donations are still a critical component to the success of Dental Lifeline Network. For every $1 in general operating support, the Dental Lifeline Network provides $9 in charitable treatment and other direct-care program services. This would not be possible without the support of the dental professionals, the dental industry, and dental laboratories who donate.

“Forget “minimal invasive” or “minimal intervention” dentistry. We do not want to do the minimal amount. We do not want to “watch and wait”. We need to properly diagnose, assess risk, and proactively intervene before the situation requires more extensive treatment. Welcome to the concept of Proactive Intervention Dentistry,” Faye Goldstep, DDS, FACD, FADFE.

Most charitable organizations have struggled with funding the last few years. Donations have been down while the number of people in need has gone up.

The culture of social responsibility at Henry Schein reflects the charitable spirit witnessed in dental offices every day. Please continue to support Dental Lifeline Network and help them move patients off of the waiting list for care and back on the road to health. For more information about donating your time or resources, visit www.DentalLifelineNetwork.org.

Treating the people currently in need with the help of the Dental Lifeline Network is the vital first step. Next is looking at how to reduce the number of people who reach this critical state of need in the future. With education, prevention, and early intervention, we can improve patient health and reduce the number of patients in need of urgent dental treatment. Using a wellness program in the dental practice, such as Total Health™ Beyond the Mouth, educates patients on the oral systemic health connection while reinforcing the importance of regular oral care. Patients who understand the impact oral health has on their overall health are motivated to maintain a regular schedule of dental visits and accept recommended treatment when needed, reducing the number of patients who require advanced dental care. To learn more about Total Health and how you can improve the health of your patients visit www.facebook.com/HenryScheinTotalHealth.