DDS Program Expands in New York State (continued)

As part of the expansion kick-off, NYSDA leadership participated in a webinar conducted by the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped (NFDH), which operates the DDS program, along with the New York State Dental Foundation.  The session provided component society executive directors with program details and an overview of the plan to rollout the statewide expansion.

 

During the discussion, Dr. Feldman, who is also the past-president of the American Dental Association (ADA), shared with participants his experience as a DDS volunteer when he was a practicing endodontist. NYSDA leaders learned how easy DDS makes it to volunteer.

• DDS patients are screened for eligibility.
• You decide who you will treat.
• You don't have to leave your office.
• You determine the treatment plan.
• There are no paperwork or administrative responsibilities.
• DDS patients are reliable and appreciative.
• DDS records and reports dentists' collective contributions.

The group also learned that DDS operates successfully in all 50 states and has a volunteer corps of more than 14,400 dentists and 2,800 labs.  Last year, DDS dentists and labs across the U.S. donated nearly $21 million in care to underserved elderly or disabled individuals.

 

To launch DDS expansion in New York State, NYSDA sent letters to its 9,200-plus members asking them to volunteer.  A follow-up email was sent a week later with a link to volunteer online, and an article is scheduled to appear in an upcoming issue of the NYSDA Journal.

 

 To further promote DDS in New York State, NFDH had the opportunity to tout DDS at the Greater New York Dental Meeting.  Information about the DDS expansion can also be found on the NYSDA website.  A New York State DDS Leadership Council is being formed to provide representation from all areas of the state and to complement the efforts of the existing downstate group.  Dentists interested in learning more about serving on the DDS Leadership Council should contact Lori Ropa, NFDH Director of Affiliate Operations, at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 303-534-5360.

 

The pieces are now in place to stimulate DDS throughout the state.  All that's missing is you!  To join other dentists and labs in New York State as a DDS volunteer, click here .