Patient Stories

No Child Should Wait in Pain—
How You Helped Amelia Get Care

Six-year-old Amelia was not a fan of the dentist, to say the least. At KinderSmile Foundation, the AAPD Foundation’s newest Three Year Access to Care Grant Recipient, the team examined Amelia and it quickly became clear she needed extensive care. Little Am was in pain. The KinderSmile team did their best to comfort her but could not get the extremely fearful patient to cooperate. Instead, they spent time reviewing dental health education with the family and concentrated on relieving some of her fears.

You probably know as well as the KinderSmile team does that most specialists do not accept Medicaid or uninsured patients. So KinderSmile does their best to provide all treatment in house. But Amelia’s situation led to a referral to the hospital. After the family spent hours at the first hospital consultation, they were asked to return an additional 6 weeks later, and only then would it be decided if Am qualified for completion of her treatment under anesthesia. In that case, the soonest she could get on the schedule was nine months away.

Mom was desperate. Amelia was in pain. They couldn’t wait months.

The family returned to KinderSmile. Staff tried again with sweet, nervous Amelia, and despite some tears, the team was able to treat her first tooth!

With time, Am became more comfortable and even started enjoying her visits and the staff support around her. Her entire treatment was completed in a couple of months and she is back to being a happy, pain-free kid.

Amelia was able to heal because of the patience, support, and resources of her community – resources that are only available because of compassionate folks like you.

YOU transform our mission from an idea to reality. 
The AAPD Foundation is proud to support KinderSmile Foundation and the relentlessly compassionate work they do for kids in New Jersey – and we hope you are too!
Learn more about KinderSmile Foundation

Shout-out to the HERO SQUAD

Ka-POW! A super-sized shoutout to our HERO SQUAD, the dedicated monthly donors whose consistent support powers our mission forward.

• Dr. Kelsey Brar
• Dr. Brenda S. Bohaty
• Dr. Eun S. Hwang
• Dr. Beverly A. Largent
• Mr. Jonathan Miller
• Dr. Kuntal Patel
• Dr. Elizabeth Rogers 
• Dr. Meghan M. Sullivan Walsh 

HERO SQUAD Q&A with Dr. Kelsey

This edition’s featured HERO SQUAD member, Kelsey Brar, DMD, MS, MPH, brings enthusiasm and commitment to everything we do. Does she have any words of wisdom from the Squad? Her Q&A is guaranteed to make you smile… and maybe even inspire you to join this stellar crew!

Why did you decide to join the HERO SQUAD?

I’m a pediatric dentist and I believe every child deserves access to high quality care. Too many kids face barriers to dental care – socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or immigration status. The Hero Squad is one of the ways I help break down these barriers every month.  

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

The ability to eliminate dental disease with a single touch! No child would ever have to experience pain, missed school days, or health complications!

What’s one thing you wish more people knew about the AAPD Foundation?

It isn’t just about funding dental care for underserved children, it is about changing lives. Many people don’t realize just how much impact the Foundation has on communities in need. We’re all connected. When we all pitch in, children can receive the care they need and deserve.

If you could tell the kids you’re helping one thing, what would it be?

I would tell them: your smile is important, and so are you!  No matter where you come from or what challenges you face, there are people who care about you and want to see you thrive. I am proud to be one of them!

Want to suit up and join the squad? Your monthly gift can save the day – and save a smile!

When you join the HERO SQUAD, not only are you helping more kids year-round, you receive your very own Hero bobblehead! Join the HERO SQUAD and Donate today!

Pictured: Dr. Kelsey Brar and Dr. Lisa Jacob

Will we see you at AAPD 2025?

Making the journey to Denver for AAPD 2025? Swing by our most interactive booth ever! Let’s swap tales of triumphs and challenges in the battle for dental care. Even the Healthy Smile Hero will be there. 

Hustle to the Hero Library!

Looking for ways to stay on patients’ and parents’ minds between appointments? Want to encourage strong at-home dental care routines for little heroes? Need a unique way to reward kids after appointments? Sick of coming up with posts for your practice’s social media? We have the resource for you!

Ready to get everyone excited about dental care?

Check out the Hero Library or Donate

Letter from the President

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As spring arrives, I’m struck by two undeniable truths. One, the need for services has never been greater than it is today. Families in our communities face unprecedented difficulties, and vulnerable children require more support than ever before. Two, our resolve to meet these needs has grown just as significantly. This strength comes directly from you—our remarkable community of supporters who continue to demonstrate what’s possible when compassion meets action.

What makes our community special is our understanding that we’re all connected in this work. Your contribution joins with others to create a safety net ensuring no child suffers needlessly, and the entire fabric of our community grows stronger. Real children with names, dreams, and futures that look and feel dramatically different because you chose to give. A powerful collective force can accomplish what none of us could achieve alone.

As we move forward into this season of growth, I invite you to take pride in what we’ve accomplished together and what still lies ahead. The path may not always be easy but walking it together—with shared purpose and commitment—makes all the difference.

With deepest gratitude,

Dr. Mario E. Ramos