About Us
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Foundation is the nation’s largest dentist-led charity dedicated to making dental care accessible to all children.
51%
of elementary kids have cavities.
5x
more children experience cavities than asthma.
51 million
school hours are lost each year due to dental problems.
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make a difference?
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Thanks to the support of dental programs nationwide, a network of compassionate dentists, and our dental care grant recipients, we have helped more than 840,000 children in setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits.
WHY WE’RE HERE
AAPD Foundation Purpose
Helping to ensure all little teeth get the care they need, we the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Foundation supports community-based programs that provide dental services to all children. Our pediatric dentists are experts at determining how to convert grants into meaningful dental care and are constantly on the lookout for new ideas that show promise for all communities. With your support, we can ensure every child has a healthy smile.
ORAL HEALTHCARE IS HEALTHCARE
Oral health: A window to your overall health
Learn about the important connection between your oral health and your overall health.
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Daily brushing and flossing keeps bacteria under control. Without these healthy hygiene habits, bacteria can result in cavities and gum disease.
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Become a healthy smile hero!
With your help, we can give more children the dental care they need—and the healthy smile they deserve.
Stories & Testimonials
Quotes and photos shared by the organizations we support. Hear directly from grantees about the impact of your donations.
“We love our dentist! She is the best ever. She is so good with my special needs child.”
Father of Patient KinderSmile Foundation Bloomfield, NJ
“I was surprised when Juanita came to my door after missing her phone calls. She offered to provide rides to the clinic. I felt overwhelmed doing it by myself and she made sure I had the support I needed. She was very helpful. I am truly grateful to the AAPD Foundation for helping this program!”
Mother of Patients Cook Children’s Medical Center Fort Worth, TX
“For large families, our center has become a trusted dental home. Older children who have had procedures completed share their positive experiences with younger siblings, so they aren’t fearful.”
Dr. Travis Nelson University of Washington Center for Pediatric Dentistry Seattle, WA
“Thanks to AAPD Foundation funding, our clinic purchased noise canceling headphones for children with special health care needs. For many of these children, dental office sounds can be overwhelming. The headphones have been a game changer-multiple parents have said, ‘Wow! I never expected them to do this well!’ I’m thankful to the AAPD Foundation for providing our clinic support to help these patients.”
Dr. Imran Ahmed, Pediatric Dentist AltaMed Health Services Los Angeles, CA
“Thank you to the amazing staff for treating my daughter with so much patience and love. You guys rock!”
Nessa, Mother of Patient KinderSmile Foundation Bloomfield, NJ
“Thank you to the dental surgery team for easing our nerves and for communicating with my non-verbal son in a way that he could understand–by using his favorite stuffed animal as a“patient!” Thank you for treating him with dignity, but most especially, love.”
Mother of Patient St. Bernard Dental Center Chicago, IL
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Find Help For Your ChildLEARN MORE ABOUT OUR IMPACT
What makes us smile
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Foundation is on a mission remove the barriers to childhood dental care and start them on a path for life-long healthy hygiene habits.
Learn more about us
Get to know us: our vision, our team, and the communities we serve.
Our People
