Dentists Providing Care in the Face of Hardship

The American Dental Association's Foundation, or simply, the ADA Foundation, is a charitable organization whose mission is to unite people, interested groups, corporations and resources to "make a difference through better oral health."

Through contributions made by the general public and those in the field of dentistry and orthodontics, the foundation spearheads research, educational programs, and recruits volunteers to carry out their mission. The ADA Foundation offers scholarships for dental students, oral health care to disadvantaged areas, and assistance for dentists and their families who are experiencing difficulties. In addition to obtaining donations and grants, the ADA Foundation strives to provide accessible dental care to those in need. Thanks to their strong alliance with the American Dental Association, their membership is able to take on special challenges that affect dentistry and dental health, around the globe.

Currently, members of the ADA Foundation team are assisting victims of Typhoon Haiyan, which struck the Philippines in early November. Its impact devastated several islands in the area, and killed over 6,000 individuals. Even now, UN officials estimate that close to 11 million people were severely affected and many of them were left homeless.

Please consider helping the ADA Foundation with a donation to help its disaster relief efforts in the Philippines. Funds raised will provide much needed dental care for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

Please note that all donations will be combined, and a grant will be issued from the ADAF directly to the ADA's Division of Global Affairs, which will identify and work with a reputable non-profit (NGO) to distribute the funds appropriately to serve the greatest need.

If you would like to learn more about donations, how the funds are used or how to volunteer, here is the contact information:

By Mail:
ADA Foundation
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312-440-2547
Fax: 312-440-3526

E-mail: adaf@ada.org

Give Kids a Smile Campaign From the ADA

In this season of giving, we'd like to spotlight the very worthwhile efforts of the Give Kids a Smile program. Many of us take things for granted, such as access to affordable, quality dental care. That's why it is important to reflect on the admirable efforts of those responsible for reaching out to children in need.  Last year, the ADA celebrated the 10th anniversary of its "Give Kids a Smile" campaign.

History

Two dentists started the program in the Greater St. Louis area in 2002. They set up a temporary 2-day, full-service clinic that offered free treatment. In those two days, close to 400 underserved children were seen by the dental professionals. Their efforts caught the attention of the ADA and created awareness within the dental health community of the tremendous need for such a program. So, in 2003, the agency brought it to the national level.

Now, dentists and other volunteers give their time and services, to provide screenings, treatments and education to children across the country. As the program has grown, it has benefited approximately 4.5 million children through over 1,500 events, annually. The program is made possible through of the efforts of more than 325,000 volunteers and 100,000 dentists.

Importance of Dental Care for Kids


The National Institutes of Health reports that close to 80 percent of the tooth decay in the U.S. is experienced by 25 percent of the country's children. Furthermore, data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services show that, "for every child younger than 18 years old without medical insurance, there are at least two children without dental insurance." The fact that state budgets allocate only 2 percent or less for dental services is yet another reason why the "Give Kids a Smile" or GKAS, program is so vital. Dental professionals and volunteers also work within their state and local governments to inform policy makers about the dental health challenges faced by at risk families.

The work done by the GKAS campaign encompasses education, screening, prevention, clinical evaluation and treatment. Thanks to generous donations and thousands of volunteers, public non-profit clinics have been set up, where children can receive services such as x-rays, cleanings, extractions, fillings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants.

The GKAS campaign has stated its vision: "To eliminate cavities in U.S. 5-year olds by 2020."

Sign up here for Give Kids a Smile Day-2014.

To learn about programs in your community, please use this helpful GKAS finder.

To see what's going on right now, across the country with volunteers and happy participants alike, visit the Give Kids a Smile Facebook page.