Ann Burnett

Ann Burnett and her husband, an emergency medicine physician in Ocala, Fla., used to travel the world providing free dental, optical and medical care to people in need. But when the patients he was supposed to be treating for trauma were really in need of general medicine, in particular dental care, they decided to shift their philanthropic focus to the need right in their local community.

Ann is executive director of FreeD.O.M. (Dental, Optical, Medical) Clinic, USA, which aims to close gaps in health care access for community members struggling with low incomes, no insurance or other barriers. The Burnetts self-funded the faith-based organization in its first year, bringing together hospitals, local police, agencies for low-income residents, religious groups and a homeless coalition for five days of free care.

After seeing the impact of the event, Marion County Hospital District extended FreeD.O.M. a new grant opportunity specifically to support access to dental care.

Initially the program consisted of mobile dental clinics staffed by volunteer clinicians to provide no-cost care to people in need. Today, more than 1,300 people receive dental care each year through monthly mobile clinics and at participating community sites offering screenings for hypertension and diabetes. Several hundred more people receive integrated medical and optometric services. Community partner sites are often churches in remote areas that FreeD.O.M. transforms into health centers where people can get care, education, support, and sometimes just a simple personal connection.