| MID-PENINSULA DENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION KEEPS PEOPLE SMILING 220 Main Street Suite 208 A Los Altos, CA 94022 (650) 328-2242 |
What is the Mid-Peninsula Dental Health Foundation?
For the last twenty five years the Mid-Peninsula Dental Health Foundation has
provided dental services for disadvantaged members of our community, who have
neither dental insurance nor welfare support. It is a unique program that combines
reduced cost services and monetary funding from member dentists and others in
the community.
More than 3,000 clients have received assistance since its inception. Initially, only
young children were involved. As more funds became available, this client pool
was expanded to include all age groups.
Who does this program serve and what services are provided?
The Dental Health Foundation serves low income individuals, including those
from single parent homes, seniors living entirely on social security, immigrants
and students. The Foundation serves East Palo Alto, East Menlo Park, Palo Alto,
Menlo Park, Los Altos and Mountain View.
Applicants are screened by volunteer community service organizations. Those who
qualify are referred to private dental offices. In addition, youths through age 18 and
seniors receive preventive education and comprehensive treatment. All age groups
are eligible for emergency care to relieve pain and infection.
The Foundation Board of Directors establishes the treatment guidelines and
limitations. Volunteer dentists review all requested services to ensure that
Foundation guidelines are followed.
Are patients required to pay for services?
Patients are required to pay a small fee for services and are given mainstream
care in a private setting. This avoids the stigma associated with "poor man's
clinics" and government bureaucracy.
Participating dentists accept fees much lower than their customary charges.
Adults pay half of the reduced fee and children's families pay a small flat fee for
services. The Foundation then pays the dentist the remaining balance.
Who administers the program?
Volunteer dentists and the Dental Society administers the program. This keeps the
overhead very low and allows contributed funds to reach needy clients with minimal
dilution.
There are nine board members, and most are practicing dentists. All dentists in the
program are members of the Mid-Peninsula Dental Society, the California Dental
Association and the American Dental Association.
How can I help?
Monetary contributions are always welcome and are tax deductible to the extent
that the law allows.
Please send your contribution to:
Mid-Peninsula Dental Health Foundation
220 Main Street Suite 208 A
Los Altos, CA 94022
If you are a member of MPDS, consider become a Foundation provider. A high
level of participation among our members will enable us to serve every member
of the community that needs our help.
For the last twenty five years the Mid-Peninsula Dental Health Foundation has
provided dental services for disadvantaged members of our community, who have
neither dental insurance nor welfare support. It is a unique program that combines
reduced cost services and monetary funding from member dentists and others in
the community.
More than 3,000 clients have received assistance since its inception. Initially, only
young children were involved. As more funds became available, this client pool
was expanded to include all age groups.
Who does this program serve and what services are provided?
The Dental Health Foundation serves low income individuals, including those
from single parent homes, seniors living entirely on social security, immigrants
and students. The Foundation serves East Palo Alto, East Menlo Park, Palo Alto,
Menlo Park, Los Altos and Mountain View.
Applicants are screened by volunteer community service organizations. Those who
qualify are referred to private dental offices. In addition, youths through age 18 and
seniors receive preventive education and comprehensive treatment. All age groups
are eligible for emergency care to relieve pain and infection.
The Foundation Board of Directors establishes the treatment guidelines and
limitations. Volunteer dentists review all requested services to ensure that
Foundation guidelines are followed.
Are patients required to pay for services?
Patients are required to pay a small fee for services and are given mainstream
care in a private setting. This avoids the stigma associated with "poor man's
clinics" and government bureaucracy.
Participating dentists accept fees much lower than their customary charges.
Adults pay half of the reduced fee and children's families pay a small flat fee for
services. The Foundation then pays the dentist the remaining balance.
Who administers the program?
Volunteer dentists and the Dental Society administers the program. This keeps the
overhead very low and allows contributed funds to reach needy clients with minimal
dilution.
There are nine board members, and most are practicing dentists. All dentists in the
program are members of the Mid-Peninsula Dental Society, the California Dental
Association and the American Dental Association.
How can I help?
Monetary contributions are always welcome and are tax deductible to the extent
that the law allows.
Please send your contribution to:
Mid-Peninsula Dental Health Foundation
220 Main Street Suite 208 A
Los Altos, CA 94022
If you are a member of MPDS, consider become a Foundation provider. A high
level of participation among our members will enable us to serve every member
of the community that needs our help.
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