![](https://www.groupdentistrynow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/PK-DB-5297929-110124_GDN_NOV.gif")
In January 2017, Affordable Dentures & Implants announced it would partner with Brighter Way Institute of Phoenix, Arizona, for a nationwide program to deliver free dental implant, oral surgery, and prosthetic treatment to hundreds of U.S. military veterans and homeless citizens. The network of affiliated dental practices set a goal of contributing nearly $3.25 million in pro bono implant and prosthetic services in 2017.
Affordable Dentures & Implants is pleased to announce it exceeded its goal and donated more than $3.5 million in dental services in 2017. 
Overall, 120 doctors from more than 20 states participated in the six Brighter Way events, where approximately 1,500 implants were placed and approximately 350 denture pieces were fabricated. Affordable Dentures & Implants looks forward to continuing the program in 2018 and again has six Brighter Way events scheduled. The company hopes to meet and exceed the level of donated care given in 2017.
The Brighter Way Dental Institute, formerly known as the CASS Dental Clinic for the Homeless, provides comprehensive dental care and a dental home to not only homeless individuals but also to adults and military veterans, many of whom do not receive dental benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Brighter Way Institute’s mission is to be the leader in providing outstanding oral health care and other care management, transforming health homes and training future health professionals for the care of vulnerable children, adults, and families. Their goal and vision is for vulnerable families and communities to
have compassionate and quality health homes receive outstanding care for the “whole person” and “whole family”.
“Unfortunately, veterans are more likely to be homeless than the general population – they comprise approximately 10 percent of our homeless population,” said Dr. Kris Volcheck, Brighter Way Dental Institute CEO and founder. “One of the greatest unmet needs of our homeless veterans is that of basic oral health care. Even if basic care were available, it still would be woefully lacking in its ability to treat those veterans who are edentulous. These men and women, who are often missing all of their teeth, are our family and community members. Because they have no teeth and no smile, their health is poor and so is their self-esteem. For Brighter Way to be able to treat these patients who have served our nation in such a comprehensive manner is an honor. Simply put, restoring these patients’ health and self-esteem by placing implant-based dentures is the very best possible care available. And these veterans should be getting our very best efforts.”
By the numbers
Goal for donated dental services in 2017 – $3,250,000.00
Total donated dental services in dollars – $3,500,000.00
Total doctor participates – 120
Total implants placed – 1,500
Total denture pieces made – 350
Total Brighter Way / Affordable Denture & Implants events – 6
Sources: Brighter Way Institute , Affordable Dentures & Implants
