Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Transforming Lives Through Donated Dental Care
Dental Lifeline Network has been transforming lives through donated dental care since 1974. Founded by Dr. Larry Coffee with a vision to address oral health disparities among vulnerable populations, we've grown into a national network of 12,350 volunteer dentists and 3,300 laboratories. Our Donated Dental Services program provides comprehensive care to over 170,000 adults with disabilities, elderly individuals, and medically fragile patients who cannot afford treatment. We pioneered the first oral hygiene training program for individuals with developmental disabilities in 1976, establishing ourselves as industry leaders in accessible dental care.With $567 million in donated treatment and operations in all 50 states, our organization maintains strict adherence to ethical standards while coordinating care through trained professionals. Our team combines decades of dental expertise with compassionate service delivery, ensuring patients receive life-changing care while maintaining dignity and quality of life.
Services
Donated Dental Services
Oral Hygiene Training
Patient Screening
Volunteer Coordination
Dental Prosthetics Donation
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- 50 years of experience serving vulnerable dental patients nationwide
- Largest volunteer dental network with 12,350 dentists and 3,300 labs
- Specialized programs for elderly, disabled, and medically fragile adults
- Comprehensive care coordination from application to treatment completion
- Proven track record of $567 million in donated dental treatment
What people say
Got my smile back
Life-changing care
Restored my dignity
Pain-free again
Transformed my life
Services
Donated Dental Services
Our Donated Dental Services program provides comprehensive dental treatment to vulnerable adults through a national network of volunteer professionals. Eligible patients receive restorative care, dentures, and essential treatments at no cost. This program has delivered over $567 million in donated care since 1985, transforming lives through improved oral health and quality of life.
Oral Hygiene Training
The Campaign of Concern program offers specialized oral hygiene training for individuals with developmental disabilities and their caregivers. Participants receive personalized instruction on proper dental care techniques, adaptive tools, and preventive strategies. This educational initiative has been improving oral health outcomes across Colorado since 1976 through hands-on training and customized care plans.
People
Dr. Larry Coffee
Founder
Founded Dental Lifeline Network in 1974 after recognizing dental care disparities among disabled individuals. His vision created the first national program for vulnerable dental patients, establishing a legacy of compassionate care that continues to impact lives across America.
Lynda Ricketson
President/CEO
Current CEO leading strategic growth initiatives since 2022. Brings extensive nonprofit leadership experience to expand access to care, building on the organization's 50-year history of transforming lives through volunteer-driven dental services.
Questions
Who qualifies for free dental care?
Applicants must be over 65, permanently disabled, or require medically necessary dental care with no other means to afford treatment.
How do I apply for assistance?
Visit our website, check eligibility requirements, and complete the online application for your state. Include required documentation like insurance information or denial letters.
How does the volunteer dentist program work?
Volunteer dentists provide care in their offices at no cost. Our coordinators screen patients, match them with providers, and support treatment coordination from start to finish.
What services are covered?
Comprehensive dental treatment including restorations, dentures, and essential procedures. Cosmetic treatments and implants are typically not included due to program limitations.
How is the program funded?
We rely on donations, corporate partnerships, and volunteer contributions. Every dollar donated helps unlock additional donated care through our extensive professional network.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Signe Topai
Mar 29, 2022
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I so wish I could give this organization five stars. But when comparing treatment with my friends in other states, I feel misunderstood by Diane, Co Lifeline Dental employee. After a horrible accident and several medical conditions that left my teeth in bad shape, I became a patient. I have five cavities, 4 crowns that need replaced that never were done. I'm grateful for the oral surgery done on my upper left teeth but then they just dumped me.
I went to all my appointments, was gracious to Dentist, and stayed in contact with Diane. I tried on several occasions to tell her my teeth still needed work but she treated me like I was ungrateful and dismissed me. Compared to other state's Lifeline Dental, my friends who were patients, got a complete teeth health package, were treated with respect and our now health. I can't afford to get new crowns or fill my cavities.
So in the long wrong I will lose most, if not all my teeth. Lifelong dental is suppose to help disabled people with their oral health. Being a patient of Diane, was a horrible experience and I was medically abandoned!
I went to all my appointments, was gracious to Dentist, and stayed in contact with Diane. I tried on several occasions to tell her my teeth still needed work but she treated me like I was ungrateful and dismissed me. Compared to other state's Lifeline Dental, my friends who were patients, got a complete teeth health package, were treated with respect and our now health. I can't afford to get new crowns or fill my cavities.
So in the long wrong I will lose most, if not all my teeth. Lifelong dental is suppose to help disabled people with their oral health. Being a patient of Diane, was a horrible experience and I was medically abandoned!
Michael Cappetta
Feb 25, 2022
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These people are fabulous at what they do to assist U.S. Veterans and the elderly to qualify and receive the Dental care that is desperately needed, who otherwise, could not afford the type of treatment they need on their own. Dental Lifeline Network helped me tremendously. They are 5-Stars all the way!
T. Mekonnen
Nov 16, 2021
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I'm on disability this lady just denied my application waiting on their list for a very long time to be denied with 30 seconds phone call unprofessional conversation wise. Ready to write a complaint letter to the head office.
Rin
Oct 29, 2021
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Can't keep employees. Unprofessional and unfair. They run on CEO's arbitrary rules leaving everyone vulnerable to the CEO's mood. Dental Lifeline Network work requirements are subservience, no questions asked, and forgetting about your rights.
