Odd Dental Question - Need Help/Advice

[DebbieR]

This is an odd situation, but since there's so many different people out on this Board I'm hoping someone out there might have some information that I could use.

A very close friend is in DESPERATE need of major dental work. A woman from our church who is a former dental hygienist approached me and asked what the situation was that Shel's teeth are so bad. She hasn't had dental insurance in probably 15 years (long long story as to why), so doesn't go to the dentist because they can't afford it. If someone did give her money, she'd probably use it on something else. Anyway, this woman kind of feels like she's supposed to help pay for Shel to get her teeth pulled and dentures. She's looking for a dentist to work with her with discounts, payment plans, etc. The only thing she has found so far is a dentist who'll give a 10% discount.

Shel's husband is a minister, but he's like a missionary and has to raise his own financial support (which he gets very little of). Are there any organizations out there that help in this type of situation? Or if there's anyone in the dental profession reading this - do you have any suggestions how we can go about this? We're not looking for freebies, just someone who is willing to work with us.

Shel is a great person who always puts others first and herself last. Her husband tends to be a bit - no very - selfish. (believe me I have stories...) And they have 4 beautiful daughters - who fortunately are covered under the CHIPs program, so they have regular medical & dental care.

If anyone has any ideas/suggestions/advice.....

Thanks!!!!!

DebbieR

 

[buzzlady]

Just an idea...how about a teaching hospital or dental school.

 

[CEDmom]

It's nice of you to want to help your friend like this. I bet her self esteem is affected by her dental problems. Here are two ideas I thought of:

Do you have a dental school anywhere near you? If so I'd check whether they have a free/sliding scale clinic.

Check with the social service department in your area they might know of something.

Good luck.

 

[DebbieR]

A dental school sounds like a great idea. I'm not sure where the closest would be...maybe Philadelphia or NYC. But I can find out by asking around. Don't know why we didn't think of it..

Thanks buzzlady and CEDmom!

 

[Dan Murphy]

That is a great idea, hope it works out for your friend.

 

[buzzlady]

The teaching hospital that I know of is Robert Wood Johnson - UMDNJ which stands for University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. You can do a search under either one. RWJ is located in New Brunswick, NJ. It's a start and maybe through them you can get more local information. Worth a try. Good luck.