AAPD Foundation

AAPD Foundation AAPD Foundation is a dentist-led charity that supports community-based access to dental care for kids

Tooth decay is the most common infection among American children – it is five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever. Children with oral infections, cavities and pain not only suffer from specific dental health maladies, their condition can lead to other systemic health issues, malnutrition from lessened ability to chew, and school difficulties caused by pain and

distraction. HSHC is committed to supporting dentist-led, community-based programs providing care for underserved children.

Some kids only ever see a dentist because a community clinic made it possible.This year's Access to Care Grant applicati...
09/03/2026

Some kids only ever see a dentist because a community clinic made it possible.

This year's Access to Care Grant applications are pouring in, and the message is clear: safety-net clinics working to protect kids' oral health need more resources. Even the strongest Healthy Smile Heroes need backup.

That's where you come in.

Your donation helps turn an application into action. It's what lets a clinic hire the hygienist they need, keep their doors open a little longer, or say yes to one more child on their waitlist. You can help more kids get the care they deserve.

👉 Donate today. Every healthy smile starts with someone who says, “Yes, this matters.”

aapdfoundation.org/donate/ 💙

A clinic that never turns a child away. A mom who finally found somewhere to bring her kids. This is what Access to Care...
08/24/2026

A clinic that never turns a child away. A mom who finally found somewhere to bring her kids. This is what Access to Care Grants make possible. 🦷

Our latest edition of The Smile newsletter is filled with stories that remind us exactly why we fight for ALL kids' dental health.

Inside this issue:
🦷 Elias's story - and the clinic that finally said yes
💛 A mom's exhausting search for care for her kids ends at CommuniCare's door
👋 Welcoming Dr. Jessica Y. Lee as our new CEO
🌟 Introducing AAPD Foundation President, Dr. Deven V. Shroff
💰 Access to Care Grant applications are now OPEN
🙌 Thank you, Sprig Oral Health - together we raised $53,481 for kids' smiles!

20 million children are at risk of losing access to dental care. But pediatric dentists and community clinics aren't backing down! 🦷 Check out the stories of real kids getting the care they deserve - plus the clinics, donors, and advocates making it possible.

Visit aapdfoundation.org/blog/the-smile-summer-2026/ to read the full newsletter. 📰

Applications for Access to Care Grants are OPEN. Is your nonprofit clinic a fit? 🦷Our grants support organizations provi...
08/17/2026

Applications for Access to Care Grants are OPEN. Is your nonprofit clinic a fit? 🦷

Our grants support organizations providing (or expanding) dental care for kids, with funding that goes beyond treatment to also cover:
✅ Preventive care & family education
✅ Reducing barriers like transportation, language & cost
✅ Building healthy at-home habits

Is your nonprofit clinic doing this work — or ready to expand it? Let's make it happen together. Funding could be just an application away.

⏰ Just 1 month left to apply!

Have questions about eligibility or the application? We're happy to help.

👉 Full Grant Guidelines (eligibility, funding details & how to apply) at aapdfoundation.org/apply-for-grants/

Dentists recommend brushing for 2 minutes, twice daily. Make it fun with these kid-friendly tunes – each song is the per...
08/11/2026

Dentists recommend brushing for 2 minutes, twice daily. Make it fun with these kid-friendly tunes – each song is the perfect length for a thorough brush.

Healthy smiles start at home! A few simple habits can go a long way in keeping your child’s teeth strong and cavity-free...
07/21/2026

Healthy smiles start at home! A few simple habits can go a long way in keeping your child’s teeth strong and cavity-free. Check out the Healthy Smile Hero’s top tips for protecting your child’s smile this summer and all year long.

Did you know dental X-rays are one of the most important tools for keeping kids’ smiles healthy? It’s natural to have q...
07/17/2026

Did you know dental X-rays are one of the most important tools for keeping kids’ smiles healthy? It’s natural to have questions or concerns about X-rays. Understanding their importance can provide reassurance! Modern X-rays use minimal radiation and are only recommended when necessary, making them both safe and essential for early detection and personalized care. Early intervention today means a healthier smile for life.

Zip code shouldn't determine a child's dental health – but for too many kids, it does.Cavity rates are significantly hig...
07/13/2026

Zip code shouldn't determine a child's dental health – but for too many kids, it does.

Cavity rates are significantly higher among children from lower-income families, driven by social determinants of health like access to dental care, nutritious food, and preventive services. Untreated cavities can harm a child's health, development, and quality of life, both in the short-term and over time.

Access to dental care shouldn't be a privilege.

Support programs that bring dental care to children who need it most at aapdfoundation.org/donate/

FUNDING AVAILABLE🚨 Calling all Healthy Smile Heroes! Our Access to Care Grants applications are open! We're looking for ...
07/06/2026

FUNDING AVAILABLE🚨

Calling all Healthy Smile Heroes! Our Access to Care Grants applications are open! We're looking for organizations doing impactful, community-based work to improve child oral health in their communities. We want to hear how you're confronting barriers to care, expanding access, preventing cavities, and helping kids and families build healthier habits.

💰 Up for grabs: One-year grants of up to $30,000

🗓️ Application deadline: Sept 18, 2026 at 4pm CST

Don't let this opportunity decay! Visit aapdfoundation.org/apply-for-grants/ for Grant Guidelines, eligibility details, and the application.

Drop a 🦷 in the comments if you're a former, current, or hopeful future grantee 👀

When kids are dealing with untreated tooth decay, the effects go far beyond their teeth. They lose sleep from pain. They...
07/02/2026

When kids are dealing with untreated tooth decay, the effects go far beyond their teeth. They lose sleep from pain. They struggle to focus in school. They may pull back from friends or feel embarrassed to smile. Things other kids take for granted – eating lunch, laughing freely, just feeling okay – become harder.

But it doesn't have to be that way! When we make sure every child has access to care, we give them back what every child deserves. The right to just be a kid.

Address

211 E Chicago Avenue, Ste 1600
Chicago, IL
60611

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13123372169

Website

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