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Care for Special Needs Patients

Several programs exist to assist special needs patients obtaining dental care in Illinois. Some are volunteer organizations, while others are operated and funded by the State of Illinois. Many local county health departments are also beginning to provide dental care to these patients. Contact your county health department to see if they provide dental services in your area.

Donated Dental Services (DDS) Program

Donated Dental Services (DDS) serves disabled and aged people who cannot afford needed dental treatment and have no other way of getting help. Qualified applicants must be permanently disabled, chronically ill, or elderly. Each person’s condition must be severe enough to prohibit or significantly limit gainful employment. In addition, they can neither afford dental care nor receive it through other programs. They must need extensive treatment, not just a cleaning and check-up.

To apply for services from the DDS program, please complete an application.

For more information on the Donated Dental Services Program please contact:

Chicago area
Ms. Louisa Collins
PO Box 211
Northbrook, IL 60065
Phone: 800/893-1685

Outside Chicago
Ms. Marilyn Craig
5407 N. University
Peoria, IL
Phone: 800/699-6785

Take 2 Foster Care Referral Program

The Illinois State Dental Society and the Division of Health Policy of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services have developed a volunteer dental program that helps to provide dental care to children who are wards of the State and are in the care of foster parents.

Foster parents may obtain a referral to a participating dentist by calling Doral Dental Services of Illinois at 888/286-2447. Ms. Debra Kinsey or Ms. Liz Bernahl with the Division of Health Policy at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services may also help with finding a dentist to provide care in difficult cases. They may be contacted by calling 217/557-2690.

Division of Specialized Care for Children at UIC

Established in 1937 and administered by the University of Illinois at Chicago, the Division of Specialized Care for Children is the Illinois Title V agency that provides care coordination for families and children with special health care needs. DSCC children with disabilities, and those who have conditions which may lead to disabilities, grow and develop to the full extent of their abilities.

Each year, more than 20,000 families in all 102 counties in the State of Illinois receive services from DSCC. A network of professional staff coordinates services through 13 regional offices across the state.

For more information, call 800/322-3722.