Affordable Dentures & Implants announced that it will partner with Brighter Way Dental Institute of Phoenix, Arizona to deliver free dental implant, oral surgery, and prosthetic treatment to hundreds of U.S. military veterans and homeless citizens. The network of affiliated dental practices expects to contribute about $3.25 million in pro bono implant and prosthetic services in 2017 alone. About 400 volunteers – including affiliated practice owners, dental technicians and other auxiliary staff members – will travel from across the U.S. to Phoenix as part of the effort.

The pro bono program will occur over six three-day sessions throughout 2017. The sessions are facilitated by Brighter Way Dental Institute at Central Arizona Shelter Services in Phoenix. Drs. Kris Volcheck and Justin Moody will oversee clinical care at each of the sessions. Twelve Affordable Dentures & Implants affiliates participated in a successful pilot session last October, delivering free care estimated at $440,000.

"This program reflects our affiliates' shared commitment to deliver tooth replacement care with dignity and respect to those who often have nowhere else to turn," said Doug Brown, President and CEO of Affordable Care, the dental support organization affiliated with Affordable Dentures & Implants. "As a national dental support organization, we have a special opportunity to use our network size and resources to give back to underserved communities."

The Brighter Way Dental Institute, formerly known as the CASS Dental Clinic for the Homeless, provides comprehensive dental care and a dental home to not only homeless individuals but also to adults and military veterans, many of whom do not receive dental benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Affordable Dentures & Implants' participation in the 2017 Brighter Way program will build upon a record year of giving back and volunteering.

• More than 100 dentists, lab technicians and business support staff gave their time at more than 20 Mission of Mercy pro bono events across the U.S. in 2016. Lab technicians produced more than 700 partial dentures and other appliances at Mission of Mercy events during the year.

• Affordable Care renewed a significant annual contribution to America's Dentists Care Foundation and to more than 20 state-level Mission of Mercy organizations.

• And more than 200 dentists within the affiliated practice network have taken part in international implant volunteerism since 2014, including through a partner clinic in Guadalajara, Mexico, performing more than an estimated $5 million in implant surgery and related services in that time frame.

"Unfortunately, veterans are more likely to be homeless than the general population – they comprise approximately 10 percent of our homeless population," said Dr. Kris Volcheck, Brighter Way Dental Institute CEO and founder. "One of the greatest unmet needs of our homeless veterans is that of basic oral health care. Even if basic care were available, it still would be woefully lacking in its ability to treat those veterans who are edentulous. These men and women, who are often missing all of their teeth, are our family and community members. Because they have no teeth and no smile, their health is poor and so is their self-esteem. For Brighter Way to be able to treat these patients who have served our nation in such a comprehensive manner is an honor. Simply put, restoring these patients' health and self-esteem by placing implant-based dentures is the very best possible care available. And these veterans should be getting our very best efforts."

Tooth replacement solutions – including full-arch implant restorations like those performed at Brighter Way – often are beyond the financial reach for those without dental insurance. Affordable Dentures & Implants practice owners have historically elected to set everyday fees lower than insurance co-pays for the same treatment.

More people each year – including new and experienced denture wearers – are turning to dental implants as a more desired tooth replacement solution. Implants help to stop or slow bone loss (resorption) in the jaw, and restore more tooth function than dentures or other options.

"The patients at Brighter Way have been absolutely amazing," said Dr. Jase Hackney, practice owner of Affordable Dentures & Implants – Tampa, who participated in the pilot pro bono session in October. "They've been very thankful when we finish – they want to shake our hand, or give us a hug. It's been very rewarding, in that regard."

The Brighter Way program is also made possible through financial contributions from BioHorizons, a global manufacturer of dental implants and tissue regeneration products. Other program sponsors include dental industry leaders Carestream Dental, Sterngold, Meisinger, Benco Dental and Implant Concierge.