How to Donate Dental Services in Oceanside, California

Researchers are increasingly finding evidence of the connection between good oral hygiene and a person's overall health. However, dentistry can be expensive and, particularly for people with no dental insurance, the cost often prohibits them from seeking treatment. Some dentists participate in programs to donate dental services to people in need. In California, the donation of dental services is facilitated by the California Dental Association Foundation and administered by the Dental Lifeline Network for residents of Oceanside and the rest of California.

Instructions

• 1

  Contact the CDA Foundation's donated dental services coordinator. As of May 2011, the phone number was 877-357-8660.

• 2

  Explain that you want to donate dental services in Oceanside. Detail the types of services you want to donate and how frequently you can provide these services. If you are not a dentist but want to donate money toward dentistry costs for children, the disabled, seniors and medically compromised individuals who cannot afford treatment, tell the DDS coordinator how much you would like to donate and how you would like the money to be used.

• 3

  Keep records of treatments you have donated to patients. You will need to include these with your annual federal and state tax returns.

• 4

  Contact social service agencies, homeless shelters and senior residences in Oceanside to promote the Donated Dental Services program. People who would like to apply for free dental services should apply through the CDA Foundation. They will be placed on a waiting list and put in touch with the nearest participating dentist.