We want our patients to know that tooth loss and dental disease is not a part of normal aging…
It is important to know that dental health is not only about having a "beautiful smile," it is about having a healthy, pain-free smile as well. Dental care is often talked about as a cosmetic choice rather than a must for good overall health.
Through our statewide program, we educate those in need about proper dental care, provide oral cancer screenings and match patients who apply to our Restorative Dental Care program with dental professionals who restore the oral health of each patient, in their own clinics, free of charge.
Before and After Photos of d-dent patients
Apply To Become A Patient
Through our Restorative Dental Care Program, D-DENT matches applicants with volunteer dental professionals who see patients in their own clinics. This means applicants through D-DENT are treated with the same dignity and respect as any other patient at the dentist's office.
To qualify to receive free, comprehensive dental care through D-DENT, you must meet the following criteria:
● An elderly person who is low-income and uninsured. To be considered elderly, you must be 60 years of age or older.
OR
● A developmentally disabled person who is over the age of 21, low-income and uninsured. Developmental disability is a term used to describe lifelong disabilities manifested before age 22, such as epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, etc.
OR
● An honorably discharged veteran who is low-income, uninsured and ineligible for dental care through the V.A. Hospital.
OR
● Persons currently being treated for a life-threatening illness such as cancer, diabetes, autoimmune disease or awaiting a transplant and who is low-income and uninsured.
If you feel you don't qualify for the Restorative Dental Care Program, we have additional resources available. Please click here for a list of free and low-cost dental clinics provided by Delta Dental of Oklahoma's Oral Health Foundation.
Please keep in mind that the Restorative Dental Care program has a waitlist, therefore it is not for emergency needs. D-DENT is not a dental clinic. We are a non-profit organization that coordinates the services of volunteer dentists.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FROM PEOPLE IN NEED OF DENTAL CARE AND APPLICANTS.
Diseased teeth and gums require intervention in order to heal. Without care, they only get worse. Often, when people apply for care through D-DENT, their oral health has taken a turn for the worse. For many, D-DENT is the last hope for accessible oral healthcare. We understand the pain and the urgency of each and every caller and applicant.
D-DENT is not a dental clinic, we are a dental facilitating organization. We work with amazing volunteers willing to help as many people in their community as possible. But they do not just take care of one emergency, they restore THE ENTIRE MOUTH, completely free of charge. Nevertheless, waiting for care can be frustrating. All we can do is tell you that you will not be forgotten. We will keep you on our list of people in need until we find the right volunteer to help you with your needs.
+ Can I apply for your services if I don’t live in Oklahoma?
No. D-DENT is a volunteer-based program for Oklahoma residents only. We suggest you call your local United Way Agency to inquire about services available in your State.
+ I am low-income and have no dental insurance. Can you help me?
The need for dental care is tremendous in our State. Unfortunately, our funds are designated to help a specific population. Nevertheless, A TOOTHACHE SHOULD NOT BE ON YOUR LIST OF TROUBLES. If you are in dental pain or need urgent dental care, call the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation Helpline: 405-607-4747. A dental care navigator will guide you to resources for care.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to avoid going to the hospital emergency room, unless you have a life-threatening emergency. If you cannot afford the necessary dental care, you may qualify for financial assistance from our COVID-19 Pan demic Dental Emergency Response Fund. *If you believe you have a life-threatening dental emergency, call 911 or go to your local hospital emergency room.
+ I applied for dental care through D-DENT. How long before I receive help?
D-DENT has a waiting list of over 2,000 people. D-DENT is NOT a dental clinic, we manage the efforts of dentists who wish to provide charitable care, free of charge, in their private dental clinics. Because they are volunteers, they get to choose how many people they are able to help, the type of dental care they are willing to offer free of charge, and they manage their own schedules. We ask our volunteers to only see 1 person at a time in order to restore the entire mouth, free of charge. The length of time required to restore each person’s mouth depends on the condition of each individual’s mouth. Because our dentists are VOLUNTEERS, they get to choose when they are ready to see a new case. It is difficult for us to know how long it will take to complete each case; every person’s oral health condition is different. Historically, depending on your dental needs, the waiting period can be anywhere between two months to four-five years. You are always welcomed to call us to check your status and make sure your contact information is up to date.
+ What type of dental care do D-DENT volunteers provide?
D-DENT does NOT provide cosmetic procedures NOR implants. Our goal is to restore your oral health to healthy conditions. D-DENT volunteers provide comprehensive examinations, x-rays, cleanings, extractions, fillings, replacement of teeth through removable partial dentures and full dentures. In addition to partnering with doctors providing general dentistry, D-DENT partners with a limited number of specialists able to provide root canals and surgical extractions as well as periodontal care. Keep in mind that the wait list for specialists is long. Each volunteer dentist will provide a treatment plan best suited to your particular healthcare need in order to restore your oral health.