MAKE A DIFFERENCE
If you are interested in making a difference in you city with a similar program, here is what we found works well in Los Angeles:
There are 2 major issues to deal with; Finding and screening patients, and building a network of dentists.
Find a free medical clinic that is already established and seeing patients, ask them what they do with patients that need dental care, and if they are open to you providing a referral dental source to those patients, at no cost. Also, look at the local shelters and non-profits that cater to the homeless, as well as the VA hospital.
Next, build the network of dentists, start with you own dentist, ask them this question: Are you interested in leaving this planet better off then the way you found it? I know of a group of Dentists in Los Angeles that started treating Veterans without benefits, foster children, and the homeless. They have provided millions of dollars of free dental care by building a large network of dentists who volunteer in their own office, by seeing only a few patients a month each. You would get to say how many patients you would want to see at no charge, and the clinic would call you to schedule that appointment. You can see one a month, or several a week, you choose what difference you want to make.
And, on a selfish note, feel free to use this in your PR (public relations). Why not share with your patients and the community, that you are making a difference with the poor by providing free dental care to people in a non-profit called Homeless Not Toothless.
Let the doctors know that there is no shame in discussing the good they are doing for their community, in fact, it could inspire others to participate, both in and outside of dentistry!
