The Helen Hamilton Memorial Orthodontic Fund was established in 1989 to provide funding for the orthodontic treatment for children unable to qualify for public funding or whose families are not in a position to underwrite the cost of treatment. Applications are accepted throughout the year and applicants who meet the eligibility guidelines as set forth by the SDDF Board are screened annually by a panel of orthodontists and ranked according to need. Final approval of an application and placement with the treating orthodontist is made by the SDDF Board based on recommendations made by the screening panel.

HISTORY: Helen Hamilton was the first Executive Director of the Sacramento District Dental Society and ran SDDS from 1969-1987. She helped establish the Sacramento District Dental Foundation in 1969 and, later, left her entire estate to the Foundation for the establishment of the Orthodontic Fund.

The Helen Hamilton Orthodontic Fund was established in 1989 to provide funding for the orthodontic treatment of children unable to qualify for public / government funding, or whose families are not in a position to cover the cost of treatment.

PATIENT ELIGIBILITY:

  • Child must be under 18 years of age
  • Child must be a United States citizen
    • Copy of birth certificate establishes citizenship
  • Child must be a resident of Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, or Yolo county
    • Enrollment in school establishes residence
  • Child must have a significant dental handicap
  • Child must be caries free with good oral hygiene

 

FINANCIAL ELIGIBILITY:

  • Family with adjusted gross income above $40,000 are not eligible
    • California State Income Tax Form to determine gross income
  • Families should contribute a portion of their income above basic needs
    • The co-payment schedule (if applicable) should be given to the parent (or guardian) and discussed with them in detail.
  • Denti-Cal recipients must have an evaluation and, if eligible for Denti-Cal funding, will be referred to their provider for treatment
  • Dental HMO coverage usually disqualifies a patient

 

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applications are accepted from the SDDS member on behalf of the patient. The application must be complete and provide the "Patient Eligibility" information listed above.

Applications are accepted throughout the year and applicants who meet the eligibility guidelines as set forth by the SDDF Board are screened annually by a panel of orthodontists and ranked according to need. Final approval of an application and placement with the treating orthodontist is made by the SDDF Board based on recommendations made by the screening panel.

For more information on the Helen Hamilton Memorial Fund, please contact the SDDS Office at 916.446.1211.