Photos by Doug Travis

Through a generous grant from the West Foundation, students and faculty at IUSD are providing dental services for patients referred through the Indiana Donated Dental Services (IN-DDS) Program. It is expected, that as dental students become familiar with the IN-DDS Program they are more likely to become volunteers when they are in their own practices following graduation.

Goodwill Industries International is a network of 207 community-based autonomous member organizations that serves people with workplace disadvantages and disabilities by providing job training and employment services, as well as job placement opportunities and post-employment support. With locations in the United States, Canada and 23 other countries, we help people overcome barriers to employment and become independent tax-paying members of their communities.

The Indiana Donated Dental Services program serves Indiana citizens who are disabled or aged and have low-paying jobs with not dental benefits, or are unemployed due to age or disability. Criteria for admission into the program include a limited income linked to advanced age, permanent disability or a complex medical problem. The DDS program also considers applicants with special circumstances that preclude their access to dental treatment.

IN-DDS referrals come primarily from public and private social service agencies.  Applicants complete a one-page form and the dentists, upon completion of the treatment, return a postcard size value/evaluation form.

Volunteer dentists, more than 570, provide services, at no cost, to patients in Indiana.  These dentists are supported by 84 dental laboratories, statewide, that either donate needed laboratory work or offer reduced lab fees, which the DDS program covers.  The dentist is not responsible for paying laboratory expenses.

Indiana Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped
P.O. Box 872
Indianapolis, IN 46206-0872
Telephone (317) 631-6022