Missouri Elks Benevolent Trust, INC.
This organization was incorporated in order to have a functioning group to operate the Elks State Major Project, the Dental Care Program.
The officers, trustees, and Board of Management are elected from all Elks districts in Missouri. They meet twice a year and when special meetings are needed, as well as holding virtual online meetings.
Our Mission
To relieve distress by providing quality and free dental work to those facing adversity and misfortune through physical and mental disability, and qualifying veterans who served the United States of America.
Elks Dental Care Program
Since 1962, Mobile Dental Units, purchased and equipped by the Elks, have served the dental needs of eligible physically challenged children, and mentally challenged/developmentally disabled adults and children, and Veterans in need.
Basic and routine dental treatments include x-rays, examinations, cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings, routine extractions, and referrals.
Each year, dental procedures are performed on more than 1,000 patients. The value of these services is over $400,000.
Dentistry on Wheels
The Elks Dental Program is administered by the Missouri Department of Health, who has a contract with University Health, KC. The Hospital staffs these units, schedules the calls, completes the treatment, and reports the results to the Missouri Elks Benevolent Trust.
Two units are scheduled to cover the entire state. Units could be at Elks Lodges, Regional Health Centers, or other appropriate locations.
The two Dental Units were purchased by the Elks for over $325,000.00 each. They feature a wheelchair lift and two special dental chairs. The units are fully accessible for the treatment of our special patients.
Treatment Included in the Elks Dental Program
The Program was started for disabled children who could not be treated by local dentists due to various reasons.
The Mobile Unit treatment includes:
- Examination and Diagnosis
- Prophylaxis and Topical Fluoride Applications
- Removal of Infected or Painful Teeth
- Restoration of Infected or Painful Teeth
- Treatment of Gingivitis or Mouth infections
- Placement of Steel Crowns and Space Maintainers
- Pit and Fissure Sealants
- Preventive and Oral Hygiene Instruction to Patient and Family
- X rays
- Root Canals
Serving the Needs of the Children
More Advanced Treatment
Children needing hospitalization for dental treatment are referred to Children’s Mercy from the Mobile Units. Missouri Elks fund the Elks Fellowship for Advanced Pediatric Dentistry.
Give a Child a Smile – Join Now!
100 Club
This can be done as a one time payment or as a pledge of $10 per year. This club provides the annual operating and maintenance expenses.
300/500/1000 – Perpetual Fund Club
This can also be paid at one time or you can pay it in ten pledges of $30 – $50 – $100 per year. In order to provide an assured annual income a Perpetual Fund was established. Only the earning of the Fund may be used. Current Federal and State funding is declining and there is a growing number of patients. Donations from all Elks and non-Elk friends are needed to maintain the current level of service.