The Smile: Summer 2025
Foundation Allocates $4.75 Million in Anticipation of Nationwide Federal Cuts
In anticipation of pending federal health policy changes coming in the next six to nine months, the AAPD Foundation Board of Trustees approved allocating $4.75 million in new grants for fiscal year 2026 – with $4 million earmarked for funding for grantees when their federal funding is cut.
“Unfortunately, these anticipated cuts are not a matter of if, but when,” said AAPD Foundation President Dr. Mario Ramos. “And, with federal funding comprising on average two-thirds of nonprofit clinics’ annual revenue, the consequences of these cuts are brutal: millions of powerless children will suffer.”
An estimated 20 million children annually receive needed dental care thanks to Medicaid reimbursement and federal grants. When the federal cuts are implemented, community-based clinics serving the most vulnerable children will be forced to cut hours, reduce services, eliminate front-line personnel, or close entirely. Millions of children living with oral disease and pain will have nowhere to turn.
The AAPD Foundation always will stand up for kids.
Dr. Mario Ramos, AAPD Foundation President
“That’s why we have allocated nearly one quarter of our existing assets and represents the largest single-year commitment in the Foundation’s history
to meet this challenge.”
As this issue of The Smile wrapped, the Foundation was developing protocols and procedures for eligible clinics to apply so it can respond quickly when the cuts become reality. Grants will be invite-only, and the Foundation’s goal is to award first installments on approved grants within 60 days of the application deadline.
“We know our funding cannot replace what will be lost, but we hope the speed of our fulfillment will serve as a bridge for our grantees – and the kids
in their care – while they pursue funding from alternate sources,” Dr. Ramos said.
There has never been a more important time to be a Healthy Smile Hero than now.
Dr. Mario Ramos, AAPD Foundation President
Q&A with Dr. Perez
Why do you think it’s important for others in the community to get involved and be Healthy Smile Heroes?
“We pediatric dentists are so very lucky to practice a great dental specialty that prevents, maintains and restores children’s smiles and dental health. A child with good dental health and no pain nor infection is a beautiful and happy child. All children should be so fortunate, regardless of background, race or socioeconomic status. All of us AAPD members can contribute big and small and support our AAPD Foundation.”
Dr. Ricardo A. Perez with his wife, Mrs. Christi Perez
Diplomate American Board of Pediatric Dentistry; member of AAPD; donor to AAPD Foundation
Dr. Maria Rita Z. Bernardo
Winner of the Dr. Beverly A. Largent Access to Care Innovator Award
Sponsored by Elevate Oral Care, The Dr. Beverly A. Largent Access to Care Innovator Award recognizes excellence in providing dental care to children, especially vulnerable populations. The award is named for Dr. Beverly Largent, the first woman president of the AAPD Foundation and trailblazer pediatric dentist, and includes $10,000 to their agency or organization that may be applied to any expense in support of access to care.
The 2025 Dr. Beverly A. Largent Access to Care Innovator Award winner is Dr. Maria Rita Z. Bernardo of FamilyCare Health Centers in West Virginia!
Sponsored by
Dr. Bernardo’s tireless dedication to the dental health of children and families of Appalachia is inspiring. She launched and continues to lead FamilyCare’s Miles of Smiles Mobile Dental Unit, a school-based mobile program delivering preventive and restorative care to children in rural Appalachia who would otherwise go without care. She often travels up to 120 miles round trip to ensure that even small numbers of students receive treatment, prioritizing equity and compassion in every community she serves.
The AAPD Foundation is proud to honor Dr. Bernardo and her compassionate work. Thank you to Dr. Bernardo, Dr. Largent, and Mr. Thomas of Elevate Oral Care for being exemplary Healthy Smile Heroes!
Thank you to all supporters of the Foundation for caring for kids.
Big News!
Announcing 2025-2026 Access to Care Grant Recipients!
The AAPD Foundation has awarded dental grants towards dental care for vulnerable kids to thirteen incredible nonprofit clinics across the U.S. Children living in poverty are twice as likely to suffer cavities, and their dental disease
is more than twice as likely to go untreated compared to their more affluent peers.
The 2025-2026 grant recipients will utilize AAPD Foundation support to continue fighting dental disease and making a positive impact on underserved children in their communities. Congratulations to our new grantees:
Akron Children’s Hospital
Akron, Ohio
AltaMed Health Services Corp
Los Angeles, California
Cincinnati Children’s
Hospital Medical Center
Cincinnati, Ohio
The Denver Health Foundation
Denver, Colorado
Ethne Health
Clarkston, Georgia
Health Ministries Clinic
Newton, Kansas
Intercare Community Health Center
Benton Harbor, Michigan
St. Bernard Dental Center
Chicago, Illinois
St. John’s Well Child and Family Center
Los Angeles, California
Trustees of Indiana University
Bloomington, Indiana
United We Smile
Traverse City, Michigan
University of Minnesota Cleft
and Craniofacial Clinic
Minneapolis, Minnesota
University of Washington Center
for Pediatric Dentistry
Seattle, Washington
Funding alert!
Applications for 2026-2027 Access to Care Grants are Open!
Are you part of a community-based, non-private initiative in the U.S. that provides dental care to underserved/ limited access children? We want to hear from you!
What’s up for grabs?
Dental grants of up to $30,000
Applications due by
September 19, 2025 at 4 PM CST
Patient stories
Dental Aid’s Mighty Mission
When a 14-year-old boy arrived at Dental Aid with year-old braces causing pain and decay, his family faced an impossible choice. Medicaid wouldn’t cover orthodontic removal, and they were already struggling as new immigrants.
Thanks to AAPD Foundation’s Access to Care Grant, Dental Aid didn’t just remove his braces and restore his smile, they treated his whole family and earned their trust through compassionate, culturally sensitive care. One grant. One clinic. One family at a time. That’s how Healthy Smile Heroes are creating lasting change in Colorado and beyond.
One grant. One clinic. One family at a time. That’s how Healthy Smile Heroes are creating lasting change in Colorado and beyond.
Grant Reviewers Needed!
Now seeking dental professionals and healthcare workers to review Access to Care Grant applications! In this volunteer role, grant reviewers evaluate applications against grant standardsand complete evaluation forms.
Training and Time Commitment
One-Hour Remote
Training Session
Review 15-25 Applications
(30 Minutes Each)
Thank you for a great AAPD 2025
The Healthy Smile Hero is dusting off her boots from a rockin’ AAPD 2025 in Denver. It was an unforgettable celebration of education, connection, philanthropy, and community.
Hustle to the Hero Library
Did you know you have access to a trove of resources for your practice and patients? Coloring pages and mazes and toothbrushing charts – oh my!
Resources available in English and Spanish.
Ready to get everyone excited about dental care?
Check out the Hero Library.
Become a healthy smile hero!
Donate to help kids in Colorado and across the country access the care they need.