New York State Dental Foundation

Grant Status

Completed

Project Title

Donated Dental Services

Award Amount

$225,000

Location

Albany, NY

Website

http://www.nysdentalfoundation.org

Date Awarded

September 17, 2009

Inadequate access to dental care is a pervasive problem for people with disabilities and complex health conditions, who are at greater risk for oral diseases. This grant to the New York State Dental Foundation will scale up a pilot project that began in New York City in 2008, and served more than 150 people. This next phase, which is statewide, will provide needy disabled, elderly, and medically compromised New Yorkers access to comprehensive dental care.

Approximately 750 dentists and 100 laboratories will volunteer. Two full-time social worker coordinators will be responsible for recruiting the volunteer dentists; qualifying patient applicants; and offering assistance with transportation, language, and other challenges that could impede access to care. They will conduct telephone interviews with patient applicants and caregivers, and obtain information to determine whether applicants meet the general eligibility criteria. This model is based on Donated Dental Services programs already active in more than 30 states.