07/01/09
Donated Dental Services (DDS)
The Donated Dental Services is a program to assist disabled or elderly people who cannot afford comprehensive dental treatment and have no other financial assistance. Contact Naomi at (515) 964-0034 or (800) 985-0034 to file an application.
The Story County Community Dental Project is a comprehensive program making oral health care accessible for uninsured and underinsured individuals and those using Medicaid as a payment source in Story County, Iowa. The project includes the Story County Community Dental Clinic in Ames and an outreach to the elderly population in senior care centers throughout Story County.
The Story County Community Dental Clinic is located in the lower level of the Story County Human Services Building at 126 S. Kellogg Avenue in Ames. The success of the clinic has been made possible by a pool of more than 20 local dentists, of which one volunteers every Tuesday evening. In addition, local oral surgeons accept four referrals a week for extractions and pediodontists accept referrals of children who are uninsured, underinsured and Medicaid participants. A local laboratory donates dentures and partial plates for those unable to pay.
If you are interested in making an appointment to the dental clinic, please call (515) 956-4595. The dental clinic sees patients on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointments are intended for low-income patients with acute dental needs, such as severe and persistent tooth pain. A $20 co-payment is required for most patients, with a lesser amount for Medicaid patients.
The senior outreach project serves the growing elderly population residing in nursing homes, who often lack regular preventive dental care. Within 45 days of entrance into a long-term care facility, residents are screened by a registered dental hygienist and started on regular applications of fluoride varnish to prevent decay.
