The Maine Legislature was wise to fund the Maine Donated Dental Services program. I have volunteered with DDS since 1999 and know how significantly it transforms lives.

DDS provides access to comprehensive dental care for individuals with disabilities, the elderly or medically at risk. We treat people who would otherwise not receive care.

The people I have treated through DDS are often in pain, or can’t find a job because their teeth are rotten or missing. Our volunteer dentists and dental labs work with these people to restore good oral health and often improve their appearance. This can lead to employment opportunities and improved quality of life — something we all deserve.

Sometimes our policymakers forget the forest for the trees. The $40,000 allocated for DDS in the state budget is a small amount but, at one point, it was on the chopping block. Finally, it was restored.

Thankfully, we can continue to offer help to those in need. In total, our volunteers have donated more than $2 million worth of care to DDS clients. In the long run, this benefits the state.

Policymakers this year got it right and understood that funding the DDS program made sense.

Perhaps legislators aren’t thanked often enough when they do a good job. Their decision to fund DDS will improve people’s lives.

James F. Helmkamp, DDS, MAGD, Auburn