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.

🏆 Congratulations to our 2026 Dr. Beverly A. Largent Access to Care Innovator Award recipient, Mr. Ernesto Hart of The F...
05/27/2026

🏆 Congratulations to our 2026 Dr. Beverly A. Largent Access to Care Innovator Award recipient, Mr. Ernesto Hart of The Floating Hospital in NYC!🎉

We were honored to celebrate Mr. Hart at the AAPD Foundation's Donor Appreciation Reception last weekend, and what a celebration it was. The Access to Care Innovator Award recognizes an individual who uses passion and creativity to increase access to dental care for underserved children, even with limited resources. Mr. Hart is the definition of that mission.

Through Mr. Hart's vision and dedication, a single-chair, ship-based screening service identifying cavities among homeless shelter residents has been transformed into a fully equipped, high-capacity dental clinic serving thousands of unhoused and low-income children. And he has done it all while caring for children, migrant families, and survivors of domestic violence - some of the most complex and vulnerable populations - never losing sight of his mission despite the financial constraints so common among safety-net providers.

Those who know Mr. Hart say it best! He is the "heart" of The Floating Hospital. ❤He doesn't just treat teeth. He restores confidence, trust, and joy in every young patient who walks through the door. 🦷💙

The AAPD Foundation is proud to award Mr. Hart $10,000 to support The Floating Hospital's continued work expanding access to dental care.

To Mr. Hart: thank you!!! You inspire us all. We are proud to honor you and the vital work you do. May your creativity, compassion, and persistence continue to open doors - and smiles - for children who need it most.🙏

Thank you to Elevate Oral Care for sponsoring the Innovator Award and supporting healthy smiles. Together, we can make a big difference for little teeth!

To read more about Mr. Hart and the Dr. Beverly A. Largent Access to Care Innovator Award, head to aapdfoundation.org/blog/dr-beverly-a-largent-access-to-care-innovator-award/

05/27/2026

What a weekend! 🙌 Seeing familiar faces AND meeting new ones at AAPD 2026 reminded us exactly why we do this work. The AAPD Foundation exists to support safety net clinics across the country that are showing up for kids who have nowhere else to turn for dental care - and none of it is possible without donors like you. The conference may be over, but our commitment to kids' dental health? That's 365 days a year. Thank you for following, for caring, and for being part of this community. We're so grateful 💙

05/23/2026

Every great hero has an origin story. Maybe yours starts right here.

Across the country, kids are going without basic dental care - safety net clinics are overwhelmed and under-resourced, and the gap keeps growing. Every child deserves a healthy smile, and we need YOUR help to make that a reality.

One little putt could spark a big conversation. Come take your shot, find out what's at stake, and be part of something bigger. 🦷💚 We can't wait to meet you at booth 931!

Day 1 of AAPD 2026 = SUCCESS 💥⛳✨
We putted. We laughed. We lit up the Exhibit Hall in our LED wristbands. Most important...
05/23/2026

Day 1 of AAPD 2026 = SUCCESS 💥⛳✨

We putted. We laughed. We lit up the Exhibit Hall in our LED wristbands. Most importantly, we showed up BIG for kids in need 💛

Thank you to everyone who came out, donated, supported, and made the magic happen. It was an unforgettable day. You brought the energy, the fun, and the heart 🫶⛳

05/22/2026

Spend a day in the life of the Healthy Smile Hero. 😊 That’s right, Las Vegas, the Healthy Smile Hero is coming to – cape and all! 🦷💫 This weekend, join our mission to bring healthy smiles to ALL kids, regardless of their background and forces outside of their control. Kids shouldn’t pay the price for budget cuts. There has never been a more important time to fight for children’s access to care. Come find the Hero at booth #931 - together, we can make difference for kids in need.

05/21/2026

The putters are packed. Tomorrow's the day ⛳

It's AAPD 2026 and we're bring mini golf to the Exhibit Hall! Think you've got what it takes to sink a hole-in-one? Step away from sessions, pick up a putter, and learn about the kids who need us most - and how you can be part of the solution.

See you on the green tomorrow! 🦷💚

📍 Booth #931

Making the journey to Las Vegas for AAPD 2026? Swing by our booth! ⛳ Take a putt, swap stories, and hear how we're fight...
05/19/2026

Making the journey to Las Vegas for AAPD 2026? Swing by our booth! ⛳ Take a putt, swap stories, and hear how we're fighting for kids' smiles.

With federal funding cuts putting up to 20 million children at risk of losing dental care, the stakes have never been higher - and neither has the need for heroes like you. When we invest in children's smiles, we invest in their futures. 💪🦷 Comment below if we'll see you this weekend!

🦷 Every kid deserves a healthy smile. Will you help us make it reality? Right now, your donation has DOUBLE the impact.O...
05/18/2026

🦷 Every kid deserves a healthy smile. Will you help us make it reality? Right now, your donation has DOUBLE the impact.

Our friends at are matching every contribution to the AAPD Foundation this weekend at AAPD 2026 up to $10,000! That means $1 from you = $2 for a child's care. 💚

Sprig founder Brenda Hansen built her life's work around one powerful belief: kids deserve dental care designed for them. That mission is exactly why this partnership matters so much. Right now, up to 20 million children could lose access to dental care due to Medicaid and federal funding cuts. The Foundation's network of safety-net clinics need our support to keep caring for kids - and your donation goes straight there.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it: visit aapdfoundation.org/donate to give now, or visit us at Booth #931 at AAPD 2026 and help some kiddos smile 🎯

A huge thank you to Brenda Hansen and for doubling our community's generosity. 💚🦷

Oral health IS health.It's Black History Month, and the AAPD Foundation recognizes that Black communities have historica...
02/19/2026

Oral health IS health.

It's Black History Month, and the AAPD Foundation recognizes that Black communities have historically faced - and continue to face - systemic barriers to dental care. Expanding access isn’t just about teeth. It’s about advancing health equity and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Through our Access to Care grants, we support clinics working every day to close these gaps so every child knows their dental health is cared for, protected, and valued.

Children deserve care.
Children deserve dignity.
Children deserve healthy smiles. 🦷✨

We are deeply grateful to Black dental professionals, educators, and community leaders who have expanded opportunity and improved health for generations of children. Your leadership moves this work forward - and inspires us to keep fighting for equity in every community.

Today is Toothache Day, and it's a stark reminder during National Children's Dental Health Month: millions of kids are i...
02/09/2026

Today is Toothache Day, and it's a stark reminder during National Children's Dental Health Month: millions of kids are in pain.

The heartbreaking truth? This pain is preventable. Regular checkups and early treatment can stop toothaches before they start. But too many children don't have access to the dental care that could protect them.

The AAPD Foundation is working to change that. We support safety-net clinics providing essential dental care to ALL kids, regardless of background or income. But nationwide, clinics are stretched thin. Without additional support, more children will face harm in an already under-resourced system.

No child should have to suffer with tooth pain. 💔 Kids shouldn't pay the price for budget cuts.

Join us in protecting kids' smiles and futures. Find out how at aapdfoundation.org/blog/protecting-kids-smiles-now-more-than-ever/

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