One of the most unexpectedly fulfilling experiences of my career
by MIKE BERRY, DDS A
t the 2008 House of Delegates, I was asked to serve on the Leader- ship Council of the Missouri Donated
Dental Services (DDS) program. I wasn’t a volunteer at the time, so I quickly signed up. It was a great choice. Since then, our practice sees two to three patients in need per year. The patients are thoroughly screened by Mary Jo Henke, our state coordinator. Most of the patients are down and out with other health problems that prevent them from seeking care.
Since Missouri became a participating DDS state in 1999, millions of dollars in care have been provided. In fact, Missouri DDS volun- teers have donated more than $10.5 million since inception! This is really something to be proud of, but we still (always) need more vol- unteers. There currently are 163 patients on lengthy wait lists. Due to this, many counties are closed to accept patients, except to veter- ans and medically compromised patients.
There are so many heart-warming stories of patients for which we provide care. With very few exceptions over the years, the patients are so grateful and say we changed their lives. Most of them see improved health and self-esteem. It’s such an awesome feeling to see this, and I find these patients to be among the most appreciative in my practice.
Many of you reading this already are volun- teers. For that, we thank you! For those who aren’t, volunteering is easy, and patients come to your office. You can change the life of one of the 163 patients who are waiting for care: Will you see one? In summary:
• Pre-screened patients are treated in your office.
• You determine the treatment plan. • Coordinators work with specialists and the labs.
• You don’t pay for lab expenses. • Very little paper work is required.
I challenge any dentist who is on the fence about volunteering for DDS, to move forward and experience the same rewarding feeling when these patients express their gratitude. We simply ask that you take one or to two patients a year.
It is easy to volunteer: go to Dental-
Lifeline.org and click on Volunteer or go to
WillYouSeeOne.org. Just see one pre- screened patient for a consult and you decide if you want to continue. DLN will also coor- dinate lab and specialty referrals with other like-minded volunteers.
The ability to change people’s lives, doing what we know how to do every day (and in the comfort of our own practice) becomes a
reward in itself. This program has become one of the most unexpectedly fulfilling experi- ences of my career—and not just for me, but for my entire team.
Missouri currently has 374 volunteer dentists and 91 participating labs. We need more. Are you willing to join us? You’ll be so glad you did. f
Dr. Berry is the MDA immediate past president and serves on the Dental Lifeline Network – Missouri Leadership Council.
Thank you
Missouri Donated Dental Services (DDS) Volunteers!
You are helping change and save the lives of people with special needs. Coordinator Mary Jo Henke “
I can’t thank the Missouri dentists enough for being so awesome during COVID. I appreciate that all of you your current patient’s treatment and accepted new patients during this
To learn more visit:
DentalLifeline.org
Oral Surgeon Dr. Michael Noble, DDS volunteer since 2006 with his DDS patient Chloe.
ISSUE 2 | MAR/APR 2021 | focus 21
A Special Thank You From Missouri’s DDS
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