Hey, I told you previously that I’m a sucker for good causes, and the fantastic dental charities that I’ve listed below are no exception. Sadly, the ironic thing about our poor economy is that more people are in need of these charities’ services than ever before, yet fewer people are in a position to ensure that these charities remain funded. In any event, I believe it is important that we’re aware of these charities so they’re more accessible to those in need. Without further ado, here’s the list:
1) The National Children’s Oral Health Foundation
The National Children’s Oral Health Foundation “is the only independent non-profit national children’s health organization exclusively focused on supporting delivery of comprehensive oral healthcare for economically disadvantaged children(ncohf.org)”. Their 10-year plan includes educating and screening 20+ million children, and treating $5 million of those throughout the U.S. and globally.
Link: www.ncohf.org
2) American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation (AACDCF)
The AACDCF is quite unique in that a portion of their mission is dedicated to providing dental care services at no cost to survivors of domestic abuse. You’ll also see the AACDCF providing much-needed dental work to victims of natural disasters. If you use Twitter, you can follow them (@TheAACD). I follow them myself – real good people.
Link: AACD.com
3) Healthy Smiles Healthy Children
Founded in 1987 by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Healthy Smiles Healthy Children’s mission is to “support and promote education, research, service and policy development that advance the oral health of infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health care needs(aapd.org).”
Link: AAPD.org
4) National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped (NFDH)
The NFDH is a charitable affiliate of the American Dental Association that’s dedicated “to arranging comprehensive dental treatment and long-term preventive services to needy disabled, elderly or medically compromised individuals through a national network of direct service programs that involve
more than 12,900 volunteer dentists and 2,700 volunteer laboratories(NFDH.org).” The NFDH claims to provide $15 of dental services for every $1 they spend!
Link: NFDH.org
5) Oral Health America
Oral Health American differs from the other organizations on this list because their primary focus is advocacy. Their mission is “to improve public health by eliminating oral disease, especially for the country’s most vulnerable citizens. OHA works to accomplish this by educating and empowering communities to provide access to care, and by advocating for policies that create oral health parity(OralHealthAmerica.org).” Over the years, Oral Health America has been responsible for a number of notable oral care awareness programs including: National Smile Month; the National Spit Tobacco Education Program (NSTEP); Smiles Across America®; the Special Olympics Special Smiles.
Link: OralHealthAmerica.org
Share Others You’re Aware Of
I realize that this list is just scratching the surface. There are hundreds of charitable organizations with similar goals making a difference in people’s lives every day. That’s where I could use your help. If you know of others that Dental Heroes’ readers should check out, please leave the name of the organization and their website address(if applicable) in a comment below. Thanks!
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Reader Comments
Angeline @ stop underarm sweat August 15th
You are one among the real Heroes. You have don’t wonderful job in dental care for charities.. Keep continuing this.. Not many people have good heart to care for charity dependent children and people.
Katty, Westside Orthodontics August 25th
Thank you for sharing the charities. I will use them in my work with people who need care but can not afford it.
Jessica January 26th
Im a dental assistant in long island and i was wondering if you know of any charities looking for volunteer assistants. i would really like to donate my time to great causes like these.
Joan March 1st
I am in need of an oral surgeon. I have a cyst in my mouth. I’ve had a quote of $1800 to remove it. My husband is unemplyed at the moment and I work part time. We have no insurance and no money. Does anyone have any ideas where I can go to get help? I checked into Sharing and Caring hands, and it’s almost impossible to get in there. Thank you
Julie June 16th
The American Dental Association’s Give Kids a Smile program is another great dental charity. Nationwide they sponsor a dental health care event for low income children in February. Local chapters sponsor events throughout the year.
Shauna Duty July 7th
Working with dental charities is a philanthropic responsibility for privileged dental professionals, and it also poses a good opportunity to let potential patients know that your practice is genuinely concerned about global health.
Toronto Dentist in Etobicoke July 11th
These look like terrific causes. So many people are living without the basics.
Julie August 27th
Hi, I’m a 27 year old unemployed US citizen. I’ve been unemployed for months and don’t have any type of coverage. I just discovered 4 cavities. One is huge! My mouth is starting to hurt and I don’t know where to go in order to get rid of them without spending my money for food or the little I pay for rent. Can anyone help me please?
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