Nonprofit offers free dental work to some low-income, uninsured Oklahomans
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – A nonprofit is working to connect hundreds of low-income and uninsured Oklahomans to dentists for free dental work. It's changing lives, one tooth at a time.
One patient told News 4, after years of only eating soft foods, he can finally sink his teeth into his favorite dishes.
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'Fried chicken,' said Tyron Barnes.
A trip to the dentist's office isn't always at the top of everyone's list, but it's necessary.
That was the case for Barnes. He said his medication caused his teeth to decay over time. He said he only had eight teeth for 12 years.
'I was missing all my uppers,' said Barnes.
However, Barnes didn't have insurance. To fix his smile would've been thousands of dollars.
Thankfully, he found D-Dent.
D-Dent is a nonprofit that provides expensive dental care to veterans, the elderly, the disabled, and people with life-threatening illnesses like cancer.
The best part is…
'100% free. No cost to the people we help,' said Karen Chadwell, the executive director of D-Dent.
Chadwell is at the root of D-Dent. During the program's nearly 40 years, it's been responsible for more than 20,000 smiles and free treatments totaling more than $29 million.
Dr. Adam Brewer has helped hundreds of patients, with D-Dent, for about 15 years.
'Giving ten people dentures on the same day, that's fun,' said Dr. Brewer. 'It's ten smiles like Tyron.'
Clients can call D-Dent or fill out an application online. To qualify, you must be low-income and uninsured. Then, they'll connect you with a dentist in your area.
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'We try to get you as close as we can to where you live,' said Chadwell. 'They do the work for free and then d-dent pays for any lab bills.'
D-Dent does not cover implants.
They'll walk you through appointments and questions.
Barnes said the process was as smooth as a freshly polished tooth. Best of all, it was painless.
'Don't discount yourself. At least try,' said Barnes.
'When you don't have teeth, it's very noticeable,' said Dr. Brewer. 'When you get them back, then it's like the world sees you again.'
The non-profit lives off of grants and donations. They're fundraiser 'BBQ, Boots & Brews' is coming up on April 12th.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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