Founded in 1986, by Dr. Jay Don Harris, D-DENT-Dentists for the Disabled and Elderly in Need of Treatment, Inc.-is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Starting July 1, D-DENT’s new name will be Dentists Donating Smiles to Oklahomans, Inc. Karen Chadwell, Executive Director said.
“We’re very proud of the new name as it is more descriptive of what our services are currently and provides us the opportunity to help more individuals that are in dire need of dental health in the future,” she said.
D-DENT began as a spin-off of Variety Health Center, eventually becoming its own agency after receiving a $100,000 grant from the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s Dental Division.
“D-DENT is a non-profit that provides dental services which are 100% free to the patients,” Chadwell said. “The people we help are seniors, 60 and older, Veterans of any age that do not have VA dental benefits and Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled adults.”
She added “We help people with life-threatening illnesses such as cancer patients, and transplant patients and those that have severe autoimmune diseases. In a lot of those situations, people are unable to get the necessary medical treatment required if their teeth are in bad shape. With the help of our Volunteer Dental Professionals, our patients will receive all the necessary dental treatment needed to receive the medical assistance they not only need but deserve.”
Chadwell said D-DENT has helped over 20,000 people and provided over $30 million in free dental work.
With a network of more than 500 volunteer dentists, hygienists, dental assistants and dental laboratories, D-DENT continues to positively impacts the overall health of many Oklahomans with no access to dental care.
“Our funding comes from grants, fundraising events and donors, both individual and corporate,” she said. “We’re not a clinic and we do not hire dentists. Every bit of the services provided for D-DENT patients are provided by dental professionals from the generosity of their hearts. Should there be the need for crowns, partials or dentures D-DENT pays the bill. Other than that, the dentists provide the X-rays, the exams, the fillings, the extractions, the services needed for as many appointments as the people need until their oral health has been completely restored.”
Chadwell said the services are offered on a one-time basis per patient.
“It is a one pass program. Once patients complete the treatment program, it’s up to them to take care of their teeth from that point forward,” she said.
Chadwell said D-DENT also offers an oral health preventive program.
“D-DENT’s Registered Dental Hygienist, Angela Craig, does oral cancer screenings through our preventative program. In addition, Angela makes routine presentations and consultations in the various senior and IDD organizations throughout the metropolitan OKC area to help people understand the importance of taking care of their teeth, teaching proper brushing technique, providing good oral health guidance, discussions on tobacco cessation, talking about nutrition and its effects on oral health and answering questions regarding their gums or teeth,” she said.
Chadwell said D-DENT offers services at senior facilities and facilities where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities go to day centers, as well as many Veterans events across the state.
“We are out in front of the public at all times trying to help people understand the importance of their oral health,” she said.
She said oral health is a key indicator of overall health, well-being and quality of life.
“Through our Oral Health Education Out reach program, D-DENT provides education and behavioral interventions to seniors and disabled adults in order to share strategies to help improve and maintain a healthy mouth,” Chadwell said. “Because of the many health concerns within this already vulnerable population, oral problems are often overlooked and may be contributors to existing illnesses.”
Samantha Romestan, a Veteran and D-DENT patient, said in a testimonial video she was pleased with D-DENT giving her smile back.
“Before (D-DENT), I was unable to afford services and help from anywhere else. The medications I had to take were destroying my teeth and my bones. I had to find somebody who was willing to take me on as a patient,” she said. “The most rewarding part about the program was the finished product and smile.”
Chadwell said their latest fundraiser will be on July 29 with a golf tournament at Five Iron Golf in Yukon from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $100 per person with teams of four. Proceeds will benefit D-DENT’s Veterans programs.
“It’s not a traditional golf tournament. It is going to be at Five Iron’s indoor simulated golf course. The golf course we are playing is Pebble Beach. We will have pizza and auction items. It’s going to be a lot of fun. Spots are still available.”
For more information about D-DENT visit www.d-dentok.org or call 405) 424-8092. story/photo by Van Mitchell
