In 2009, The American Association of Orthodontists introduced the Donated Orthodontic Services (DOS) program in five states. Due to the success of the program, it is now available nationwide. The program is designed to provide access to orthodontic care for those in financial need who do not qualify for other assistance programs.
I have joined the Donated Orthodontic Services program and would like to work with dentists to provide patients who qualify, with orthodontic care at no cost to them. Prospective patients are screened by Dental Life Line and then volunteer orthodontists like myself are contacted.
The criteria for eligibility are as follows:
Patients must be between the ages of 8-18 when they begin treatment.
Patients cannot already be in braces or in between phases of orthodontic treatment.
Patients must be receiving regular dental care and have good oral hygiene.
Total family income must be below 200% of federal poverty level.
Patient must be ineligible for orthodontic treatment through insurance or public aid.
If determined eligible, a coordination fee of $200, along with a completed application, must be received by the DOS program before the initial visit with the volunteer orthodontist.
If you have have patients, or you are someone, who you believe would benefit from this program, please contact Adam Arellano, the DOS Coordinator, at 866-291-5906 or aarellano@dentallifeline.org to complete an application and receive further information. I am really excited about this program and I hope it can be successful in Connecticut, and across the country. I look forward to providing orthodontic care for those who might not otherwise be able to receive it.
For additional information, you can watch this news segment.