In tough economic times, dentists who buy the 2010 DentaCheques can support dental services for the needy _ and save some money at the same time.

The biggest single source of funding for the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped comes from sales of DentaCheques, an annual book that offers samples, rebates and discounts from dental suppliers. DentaCheques are available in 2009 for $149, which can be made up by cashing in on even a handful of offers in the book. One rebate offer this year from Midmark Corp. has a value of $500. Every book also offers at least $225 worth of samples.

DentaCheques are available from sales representatives of almost every major dental company. They volunteer to sell DentaCheques, commission-free. You can also find them online at http://dentacheques.org.

NFDH hopes to raise $1 million from the books this year. The foundation leverages money raised from DentaCheques, grants and other fundraising to provide millions of dollars worth of dental care each year to disabled or aged Americans.