DLN Success Story – Wyoming Leadership Council Member Helps Stroke Survivor Receive a New Smile

Donna, 67, lives in Casper with her dog—Buddy. She suffers from several serious health problems including surviving two strokes that left her with short-term memory loss and balance issues. In addition, she has diabetes, arthritis, and has had stents placed in her heart. Donna also had significant dental problems but was unable to afford treatment.

Formerly employed at a department store, Donna was unable to continue working after her first stroke. Since then, she has survived on a small Social Security Disability benefit that barely covers her living expenses. She struggles to make ends meet and dental treatment seemed far beyond her reach.

How DDS Helped

Fortunately, Donna applied to the Donated Dental Services (DDS) program and was linked with two generous volunteers.

• Dr. Michael Keim, DLN • WY Leadership Council member, extracted 15 teeth, provided veneers for three teeth, and donated a full upper denture and partial lower denture.
• Leprechaun Laboratory fabricated a full upper denture and partial lower denture at no cost.

“It was a really good experience. The dentist was always very friendly and very informative.”
— Donna, DDS Patient

“Through the DDS program, I have met and treated individuals I never knew and provided them with the care they desperately needed. Some of them needed dental treatment prior to life saving medical procedures for which Medicare would pay for, but which the physician would not do until the dental problems were corrected and Medicare would not help with those costs. The sense of satisfaction I receive from helping individuals like that is all the payment I need and if you haven’t felt that, perhaps you need to try a DDS case for yourself.”
— Dr. Michael Keim, DLN • WY Leadership Council member