Using a modest state appropriation, the Dental Lifeline Network coordinates volunteer dental care by 822 Michigan dentists and 251 laboratories, providing over $1.65 million in dental care during 2013.
Their dental patients are among the most vulnerable: the disabled, the elderly, and the medically frail. All of these people suffer from a wide range of chronic illnesses, which either contribute to or are exacerbated by their oral health problems.
The data highlighted in this fact sheet pales in comparison to the heart-warming story of “Danny,” the 61-year old Vietnam veteran from Kalamazoo. Danny suffers from Huntington’s disease, as well as emphysema and epilepsy and was in desperate need of a full mouth extraction.
Through the Donated Dental Services program, Danny was able to receive a full set of upper and lower dentures which has dramatically increased his quality of life.