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CASS Dental Clinic
Mission
Provide quality comprehensive dental care to homeless
men, women, and children.
Purpose
Our primary mission at our shelter and dental clinic
is to get homeless men, women and children back on their feet and supporting
themselves. The dental clinic does this by first relieving pain and infection
and then by completely restoring their mouths. Our clinic provides all
phases of dentistry to the homeless including extensive hygiene, crown
and bridge, dentures, partials, root canals, oral surgery, porcelain crowns
and veneers, and implants. This is all done by volunteer dentists, hygienists
and assistants working together with volunteer dental labs throughout
the state and country. Because of the collaboration of these dental professionals,
the clinic has become a national model for providing dental solutions
that help the homeless return to productive lives.
The Need
The CASS Dental Clinic is the only viable comprehensive
option for the homeless to restore their smile in Arizona. We have over
500 homeless on site needing dental care.
Organization
The dental clinic is a part of CASS shelter which
provides full services to the homeless. The clinic currently has over
100 volunteer dentists, hygienists, and assistants. We also have over
100 volunteer dental labs donating crown and bridge (PFM's, all-porcelain
crowns, veneers), dentures, partials, and implants. We think the dental
program has been so successful because we do everything we can possibly
do to accommodate our volunteers. The volunteers come in just a few times
a year, only a few hours at a time, and get to choose whatever aspect
of dentistry they enjoy. The majority of volunteers work on site. We also
have about 10 off site dentists who see the patients in their own office.
Dr. Volcheck started the program in Jan, 2001 and is the full time director.
Dr. Volcheck has 10 years experience as a private practice dentist and
seven years as a Case Manager with the homeless. His experience in dentistry
and social service helps him to work one on one with each patient.
Population Served
CASS serves 6,000 homeless people annually. The
dental clinic serves approximately 10 patients a day and 2,000 patients
each year.
Funding
The total operating expense for the dental clinic,
including salaries, utilities, materials and supplies is nearly $350,000.
Although the clinic is supported in part by Maricopa County, the United
Way and private/foundation grant programs, the need far exceeds available
funding. The dental clinic graciously accepts supplies, equipment and
monetary donations, and of course, the help of volunteers who make our
work possible. Donations to the clinic can be made through the CASS website
at cass-az.org or by calling Dr. Kris Volcheck at 602-758-9000.
A note from Doctor Kris Volcheck
We have a very cool volunteer dental program. The
homeless get amazing dental work that makes them feel good, look good,
and makes them employable again. You get to hang out in a fun, relaxed
atmosphere that also turns out to be very productive. Again, some volunteers
come down once a month, others come down to the clinic once a year, most
just do a few times a year. Whatever you do, you will probably have a
good time and the homeless are very appreciative.
If you have any questions, please call me at (602)
758-9000.
Thank you.
Regards,
Dr. Kris Volcheck
