Profile
Dental Lifeline Network (Colorado Foundation-Dentistry), Charitable Dental Care in Denver, CO
Quick Overview
The Dental Lifeline Network (DLN), formerly known as the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped and also referred to as Colorado Foundation-Dentistry, is a national nonprofit organization based in Denver, CO. They are dedicated to providing comprehensive dental treatment to individuals who cannot afford it, specifically focusing on adults with disabilities, those over age 65, or individuals with a chronic/serious illness.
Category | Details |
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Organization Name | Dental Lifeline Network (Colorado Foundation-Dentistry) |
Address | 1800 15th Street, Suite 100, Denver, CO 80202 |
Phone | 303-534-5360 |
Website | dentallifeline.org |
Services | Coordinates comprehensive dental care for eligible underserved adults through volunteer dentists and labs. |
Cost | No cost for eligible patients. |
About Dental Lifeline Network
The Dental Lifeline Network (DLN) is a national humanitarian organization that provides access to comprehensive dental care for people with disabilities, the elderly, and those with serious medical conditions. Established in 1974 as the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped, DLN operates through a vast network of volunteer dentists and dental laboratories across the U.S. Their mission is to restore oral health and dignity to individuals who often fall through the cracks of the healthcare system due to financial barriers or complex medical needs. Instead of being a traditional dental practice, DLN’s Denver office serves as the administrative hub coordinating these vital charitable services nationwide.
Our Mission & Impact
DLN’s core philosophy is to leverage the generosity of the dental community to serve those who need it most. They meticulously vet applicants to ensure care reaches the most vulnerable populations. The organization’s impact spans across various aspects of patient well-being, helping to:
- Alleviate painful dental infections that can severely impact overall health.
- Provide necessary procedures like extractions and dentures to improve quality of life.
- Coordinate essential restorative work, such as fillings, to preserve oral health.
- Empower individuals to regain confidence and improve their systemic health through restored dental function.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, DLN relies on donations and volunteer professionals to continue its life-changing work.
Services Coordinated
The Dental Lifeline Network facilitates access to a wide range of dental services for eligible individuals through its extensive volunteer network. It is important to note that DLN does not perform these services in-house; instead, it matches patients with volunteer dentists and dental laboratories that generously donate their time and expertise.
Comprehensive Dental Treatment
- Diagnosis and Treatment Planning: Initial assessments to determine the most critical dental needs.
- Pain Relief and Infection Control: Addressing acute pain, infections, and other urgent issues.
- Restorative Procedures:
- Fillings (as needed, based on volunteer availability and patient need)
- Crowns (when medically necessary and volunteered)
- Oral Surgery:
- Extractions of problematic teeth.
- Prosthodontics:
- Dentures and partials to restore chewing function and appearance.
- Periodontal Care: Addressing gum disease.
The specific procedures provided depend on the individual patient’s needs, the volunteer dentists’ specialties, and the resources available through the network. The goal is always to provide comprehensive care that addresses the patient’s overall oral health.
Patient Information
Eligibility & Application Process
The Dental Lifeline Network provides charitable dental care to eligible adults who have no other means to pay for treatment. To be considered for care, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Age Requirement: Be 65 years of age or older.
- Disability Status: Be permanently disabled.
- Medical Necessity: Require medically necessary dental care due to a chronic or serious illness.
- Financial Need: Demonstrate that they have no other financial means to afford dental treatment.
The application process typically involves submitting a detailed application, often requiring medical and financial documentation. DLN’s team reviews each application carefully to ensure that resources are directed to those who qualify and are most in need.
Payment & Financial Plans
As a charitable organization, the Dental Lifeline Network provides services at no cost to eligible patients. Patients do not need to worry about insurance plans, co-pays, or financial arrangements once accepted into the program, as all care is coordinated through volunteer dentists and laboratories who generously donate their time and materials.
Accessibility Features
While the administrative office at 1800 15th St primarily handles coordination and does not provide direct patient care, the organization is committed to assisting individuals with diverse needs. When coordinating care through volunteer dentists, DLN strives to match patients with providers whose facilities are accessible and can accommodate specific requirements. It is recommended to discuss any specific accessibility needs during the application process.
Location & Contact
The Denver office of the Dental Lifeline Network serves as its national headquarters, coordinating vital dental care programs across the United States. This location is for administrative purposes and program coordination, not for direct patient appointments or walk-in dental services.
Contact Information
Organization Name: Dental Lifeline Network
Address: 1800 15th Street, Suite 100, Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 303-534-5360
Fax: 303-534-5290
Website: dentallifeline.org
For general inquiries, please use the contact form on their website.
Parking Information: Not publicly specified for visitor parking; please consider public transportation or street parking options in the downtown Denver area.
Patient Reviews
As the Dental Lifeline Network (Colorado Foundation-Dentistry) is a nonprofit organization that coordinates care through a network of volunteer dentists, rather than a traditional dental practice with direct patient reviews at its headquarters, there are no specific patient reviews or ratings available for the 1800 15th St address on major review platforms.
The organization’s impact is generally reflected in testimonials from patients whose lives have been transformed by the care they received through the DLN program. You can often find success stories and positive feedback on the organization’s official website, highlighting the profound difference their services make in the lives of vulnerable individuals.
For more insights into the experiences of patients and volunteers, we recommend visiting the “Patient Stories” section on the Dental Lifeline Network website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Day | Open Hours |
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