This ladies and gentlemen is my situation in a nutshell. I'm currently in the process of enlistitng in the US military (specifically Army branch). Right now i'm on medical DQ/waiver until i get a full oral extraction (removal of all teeth) and replacement (whether that be dentures or implants). I have not had dental insurance or the finances to see a dentist in almost 7 years, and due to some complications around the age of 17 to 23, almost every root in my mouth is dead, and all of my teeth have suffered fragmentation and shattering. I've been on medical waiver now for almost a year trying to save money for the work. In that time, i've been told by a local dental charity (Interfaith dental clinic, Nashville, TN) that if i didn't get these issues resolved within a few months, i would either wind up in the ER, or dead. That was roughly a year ago when i first started trying to get the work done. Since that time, i've been to the ER once with an absess that swelled my right lower jaw to the size of a softball. The attending physician there told me if i didn't get the teeth extracted within the next few months, i'd probably wind up dead within a year due to absessing and head infections. That was roughly 8 months ago. I work for Wal-Mart corporation. Their dental insurance is (1) horrible, having a yearly maximum of 1,000$ and a lifetime maximum of 10,000$, and also has a year long waiting period for any pre-existing conditions. It also doesn't kick in for a year as well, so to use their dental insurance, i'm looking at a 2 year wait period. I've already been told by a dentist and a qualified physician that i won't survive that long. Other than the dental, i'm in very good health (or else the army would have disqualified me outright rather than put me on waiver). I'm searching for a dentist or oral/maxilliofacial surgery unit that would be capable and willing to do the work pro-bono, or for advertising/testimonial compensation (willing to allow pictures of before and after), or would be willing to do the work up front with a contractual payment plan (which would guarantee them payment, as i'll receieve sign on bonuses that will cover the costs when i join army). I'm at the point where i have to be very selective as to what i eat, and how fast i eat it, as virtually any hard or sharp edged foods fragment the teeth even worse, and also cut into the gum tissue. If possible, i'd prefer implants (hoping for instant loads due to timeframe for military; such as sargon implants), but would be able to enlist with dentures and get the implants later. I can get the extractions done by Interfaith for roughly 1600$ (and have almost all of that saved up. roughly 2 more paychecks and i'll have that), but the implant costs are simply not within my economic reach given that the Army only accepts new recruits up to the age of 32.
As i said, i don't believe in getting something for nothing (i prefer to earn/pay for everything i receive), but do not have the money up front to get these things done, and am on an accelerated and shortening timetable as to feasibility. I would appreciate any help (for that matter, i'd even be willing to accept grants/loans to cover costs from organizations that provide that sort of aid as well), and am willing to pay back whatever financial assistance or services i receive. Any prayer that could/would be offered by readers on my behalf would also be GREATLY appreciated. Also, if anyone knows of a dentist or oral surgery unit who would be willing to help, please forward this information/webaddress to them, or leave me a message with their contact information. I am VERY serious about serving my country, and have a guarantee of Ranger training and assignment waiting on me as soon as this is resolved.Please, help this fellow citizen who only wants to serve and protect his country and fellow Americans. God bless.
The choice to join military is a career choice, and i intend to serve as long as possible (my first enlistment will be for no less than 6 years, the maximum allowable single term enlistment)
PS. i'm currently located in Nashville, TN. I will be travelling to the Florida Keys from Sept 16 -22, 2007, and am willing to travel if needs of the contributors require this.
