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Dental Lifeline Network changes lives. Through their Donated Dental Services (DDS) program, volunteer dentists provide donated dental care to the elderly, people with disabilities, and those that need life-saving care who cannot afford it. They operate in all 50 states, through a network of volunteer dentists and labs.
DLN Seeks DSO Partners
Currently, over 5,000 people await care through the DDS program. To meet this growing need, DLN is actively seeking partnerships with Dental Service Organizations to encourage their dentists to volunteer to help serve these individuals.
“The goal is to make giving back easy, with coordinators who manage the entire process – screening patients, ensuring transportation and follow-up, and securing any specialist or lab work needed, “said Katie Wienecke, Director of Partner Relations, Dental Lifeline Network.
“The goal is to make giving back easy, with coordinators who manage the entire process – screening patients, ensuring transportation and follow-up, and securing any specialist or lab work needed, “said Katie Wienecke, Director of Partner Relations, Dental Lifeline Network.Partnering for the Greater Good
DLN is committed to evolving alongside the dental industry. Their recent focus includes building strong partnerships with DSOs. Their first major DSO partnership was with Pacific Dental Services. Through open communication and collaboration, this partnership has grown from supporting single service days to becoming an integrated part of PDS’s onboarding process. PDS encourages dentist participation, helps recruit dentists for special cases, and targets high-need areas.
Long-Term Success: A Winning Partnership
The PDS and DLN partnership exemplifies the value of collaboration. Since 2016, this partnership has:
- Served more than 438 patients
- Resulted in over $1.5 million in donated treatment
- Provided care to patients across 14 states
“I’d love to see everyone do this. There is so much need out there and room for all of us to give to others in whatever capacity. It’s really all our responsibilities to get together and serve in one way or another,” said Carli Casey, Corporate Social Responsibility, Pacific Dental Services.Beyond Feel-Good: The Business Case for Giving Back
The benefits of volunteering extend far beyond just feeling good. Studies show that charitable giving and volunteerism are important to new dentists, who often seek socially responsible employers and are more likely to stay with organizations engaged in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Participating in DLN’s DDS program can:
- Boost Recruitment and Retention: Volunteerism can be a key strategy for attracting and retaining staff who value giving back.
- Improve Morale and Culture: Helping others can create a positive and rewarding work environment.
- Attract New Patients: Demonstrating commitment to the community can attract new patients.
- Increase Patient Loyalty: Patients often appreciate the opportunity to receive care from dentists who give back.
Impacts Dentists and Patients
The impact of the DDS program is profound. “What began as ‘help out and give back,’ turned into ‘get back.’ The emotional gratitude these patients express is an energy boost for our office. Our DDS participation has made our office better at what we do,” said Dr. William Morosky, a DDS program volunteer.
The program also has a profound impact on patients. DLN has had patients who, because of their dental problems, were too embarrassed to smile for years, or unable to eat properly and receive necessary medical treatment. These patients regain not only their oral health, but also their dignity and ability to live a full life.
Partner with DLN and Make a Difference
DLN’s mission is to ensure that everyone has access to life-changing dental care. They cannot do this without partners like you.
Consider joining DLN in their mission to change lives.
Click to learn more about becoming a volunteer or partner.
