It is a time of economic uncertainty and concerns about how healthcare reform will affect us all. The Capital Area Dental Foundation is not deterred and is moving ahead with important programs to help people in our area who cannot afford dental care while educating young school children in good dental prevention practices.

 

The Foundation is committed to these programs and wants you to be a part of these noble efforts. Yes, it does take money and volunteers do make a difference. 

Adopt-a–School and Become a DOC!

Third graders at all 41 Title I grade schools will get excited about brushing when you show up at their school and give a fun short education presentation. As the schools DOC (Dentist on Campus) you get to give each student a goodie bag full of oral health supplies AND information to be taken home to their parents. Teachers will also be provided with important oral health prevention materials. The program will be launched in February (Dental Health Month) and as the schools DOC, you can serve as a resource for the school nurses for advice throughout the school year. We are indebted to the St. David’s Community Health Foundation for their support.

 

Many of you are aware of the Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation and the Donated Dental Services (DDS) program. DDS serves Texas’ most needy population: adults over 55 and/or adults with a disability. DDS volunteers serve one patient at a time, in their own offices for comprehensive care. Specialists often volunteer their services and dental laboratory fees are paid. Specialists are enlisted to perform their tasks free of charge, and labs fees are also covered.   These patients are pre-qualified for financial need, reliable transportation, and their commitment to keeping all appointments. It is a moving experience to help an adult in such need – your participation is greatly needed. Unfortunately the need in our 5-county area is so great that the TDSAF quit accepting new applicants more than a year ago!  Now, with a backlog of about 70 patients CADF seeks to alleviate this delay by placing an additional staff person to process these applications and to recruit volunteer dentists.

The Foundation is excited about these programs and our upcoming fundraiser, Adventures in Wonderland! , at the Four Seasons Hotel on February 20, 2010. Chaired by Dr. Kelly Keith, the Special Event Committee has been very active in making this one of the most fun and successful dental fundraisers ever held in Austin. It’s not too late to be a sponsor, but in order to benefit from having your name and/or logo on all printed materials you need to act soon. The excitement and enthusiasm of the committee is truly an amazing thing to see.