Donated Dental Services (DDS) Recognition Day

Proclamation

By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, in 1998, Dental Lifeline Network Alabama and the Alabama Dental Association established the Donated Dental Services (DDS) Program; and

WHEREAS, through the DDS Program, dentists and dental laboratories donate comprehensive treatment for people with disabilities or who are elderly or medically fragile and who cannot afford dental care; and

WHEREAS, 252 dentists and 75 dental labs volunteer for the DDS Program, and they have treated over 2,000 people with disabilities or who are elderly or medically fragile with seriously neglected dental problems throughout Alabama since the DDS Program’s inception; and

WHEREAS, the Alabama DDS Program recently surpassed a landmark milestone of supplying $5 million in donated dental services through the generosity and benevolence of dentists and laboratories throughout the state of Alabama, and nationally the DDS Program has provided more than $350 million in donated dental services; and

WHEREAS, the strength and success of the state of Alabama, the vitality of our communities, and the effectiveness of society depend, in great measure, upon concerned and devoted programs as exemplified by the Alabama Donated Dental Services (DDS) Program; and

WHEREAS, in recognition, the Alabama Dental Association, Dental Lifeline Network Alabama and the hundreds of DDS volunteer dentists and dental laboratories who have provided more than $5 million in donated dental care to these vulnerable people in Alabama who would not otherwise receive comprehensive dental treatment are commended for their service. These generous contributions have improved the lives of over 2,000 individuals in Alabama and made it a better place to live:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim March 8, 2017, as

Donated Dental Services (DDS) Recognition Day

in the State of Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 1st day of March 2017.

Robert Bentley

Governor