Unique, on-going charitable campaign raises nearly $40,000

By Gretchen Sauerman

Staff writer

MELBOURNE - A local dentist has figured out a way to provide a valuable service and raise money for important causes at the same time.

Lee Sheldon, a Melbourne periodontist, provides a free dental implant examination, including x-rays, to patients at no charge. In return, he asks the patient to make a $50 donation to charity.

If he were to bill patients for a typical initial examination, the cost would be more than $200, because the first exam can be very time-consuming, said Dr. Sheldon.

"I can't charge enough for the amount of time that I need, so I thought, 'Why don't we do it for a charitable donation?'" he said.

The program's popularity has been surprising, he said. More than $39,000 has been raised in the past three years, and the program continues to gain momentum.

The office currently has identified six target charities, although arrangements can be made for other charities.

The charities include four local nonprofits: The Haven for Children, Brevard Alzheimer's Association, South Animal Care Center and Space Coast Early Intervention Center. Two international organizations, Mazon and The Way to Happiness Foundation are also included.

The Haven provides housing for at-risk children in three counties ,and Brevard Alzheimer's Association provides support to families of patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

South Animal Care Center is dedicated to finding loving homes for abandoned or neglected pets, and the Space Coast Early Intervention Center offers preschool and therapeutic education for children with special needs.

"Mazon is a Jewish charity that supplies money to food banks around the world," said Dr. Sheldon. "I was introduced to the program by our rabbi."

The final charity, The Way to Happiness Foundation, is closest to Dr. Sheldon's heart.

"They've created a non-religious, moral code booklet," he said. "More than 70 million booklets have been passed out worldwide."

Written by L. Ron Hubbard, the 74-page pamphlet offers 21 tips to "better living."

The work of a good periodontist can also lead to better living, Dr. Sheldon said.

"A lot of people come to me and think they need one thing, but after the exam, we find they need something else," he said.

For those who think they can't afford dental implants, the practice offers an in-house finance option, said Kim Auger, the office's public relations manager.

For many patients, the procedure can be a life- changing event, said Ms. Auger.

"One patient said, 'These are my natural teeth,' because they are like natural teeth," said Ms. Auger. "They smile so much more (after receiving the implants)."

The dental implant is a metal anchor fused to the jawbone. A single tooth, several teeth or an entire denture can be attached to one or more implants, Dr. Sheldon said.

Some customers are so pleased that they don't limit their charitable contributions to just $50, she said.

"We just had someone donate $100," said Ms. Auger.

For information or to schedule a free examination, call (321) 259-9980. The office is located at 2223 Sarno Road.

Contact Gretchen Sauerman at (321) 751-5961 or Sauerman@hometownnewsol.com.