What is Dogs, Dentists & Second Chances (DDS)?

DDS is a national, dentist-led charity program that partners dental offices with local rescues to help adopt out rescue dogs. Offices sponsor adoption fees, help with initial veterinary care, and share the dog's journey with the community.

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How does the program work?

Each participating dental office commits to sponsoring one rescue dog per year by:

• Paying the adoption fee

• Covering up to $500 in initial vet care

• Providing monthly updates on the dog's progress for 12 months

DDS provides templates, signage, and support to make participation easy.

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What are the costs to participate?

Typical annual office costs:

• Adoption fee: $100–$350

• Vet care support: up to $500

• Total estimated: $600–$850 per year

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What is the OraCare sponsorship benefit?

OraCare is a proud sponsor of DDS. Their sponsorship includes one major perk for participating offices:

✔ If your office is currently selling OraCare, DDS will provide a $100 gift card to a local pet supply store.

This is intended for the office staff to assemble a gift basket with items such as food, treats, toys, leash, or bedding for the adopted dog. This allows the team to add a personal touch with no additional cost to the office.

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Who adopts the dog?

Offices may choose from three adoption pathways:

• Patient adoption - A patient or patient family adopts

• Staff adoption - A team member adopts

• Community adoption - Any qualified adopter through the rescue

The office sponsors the dog — ownership stays with the adopter.

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What does the vet care sponsorship cover?

Eligible expenses within a year of adoption include:

• Wellness exam

• Core vaccines

• Spay/neuter

• Heartworm/flea prevention

• Deworming

• Microchipping

• Treatment of minor intake illnesses

DDS provides a clear reimbursement guide for adopters.

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Who selects the dog?

Offices may:

• Choose a dog from a rescue partner

• Allow the rescue to match a dog in need

• Sponsor a dog already selected by a patient or staff member

Flexibility helps the program run smoothly.

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What does DDS provide to participating offices?

DDS supplies:

• Office Playbook

• Social media templates

• Monthly update prompts

• Window decal ("Proud DDS Sponsor")

• Certificate for sponsored dog

• Adoption agreement templates

• Press & community engagement tools

• OraCare-sponsored $100 gift card (if applicable)

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What are the monthly updates for?

Monthly updates help:

• Celebrate the dog's progress

• Encourage adoption awareness

• Educate patients and communities

• Build positive engagement online

Updates are typically just one photo + sentence or two telling how the dog is getting along. The more personal the better.

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Do we need a rescue partner?

Yes — DDS works best through shelters and rescues. DDS can help connect offices with:

• Humane Societies

• Municipal shelters

• 501(c)(3) rescues

• Pet Helpers & foster groups

Offices may also choose existing rescue relationships.

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Does DDS require legal certifications or CE?

No. DDS is a charitable community program and does not interfere with dental licensure, CE, or insurance.

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Does DDS help with marketing or PR?

Yes. DDS provides:

• Social templates

• Hashtags

• Photo guidance

• "Meet Our Rescue Dog" posts

• Holiday content

• Press release templates

Participating offices frequently see increased goodwill and social engagement.

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What if our office wants to sponsor more than one dog?

We love that. Many offices choose to sponsor:

• Two dogs per year, or

• One dog per quarter

There is no maximum.

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What if the adopter returns the dog?

If the dog is returned:

• The rescue re-homes the dog

• The sponsorship stays with the dog

• The office may choose to sponsor another dog if they wish (optional)

This is uncommon, but DDS provides guidance if it occurs.

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How do offices sign up to participate?

Simply go to the GET STARTED tab of our website and fill out the form.  DDS will send you the agreement, launch kit and next steps.

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