Protecting Kids’ Smiles, Now 
More Than Ever

Blog Post

February 4, 2026

Children’s access to essential dental care is under threat. This National Children’s Dental Health Month is a critical moment to protect access 
to care – for all kids, especially the most vulnerable.

A Tradition of Protecting Children’s Smiles

For decades, National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) has united pediatric dentists, educators, and advocates around one goal: helping children build healthy smiles that support their overall health. This February, that mission is more urgent than ever.

Anticipated changes to Medicaid and federal funding changes put children’s access to dental care coverage at risk, jeopardizing access to preventive care and treatment for 20 million kids with nowhere else to turn.

When Medicaid Goes, Kids Pay the Price

Safety-net clinics that are already stretched thin are on the front lines of caring for these families. These are the very clinics the AAPD Foundation supports, and they are facing increased demand with fewer resources. Children from marginalized communities will be the first to feel the impact.

These clinics are the only places where many 
children can receive dental care. If these 
clinics struggle, children will suffer

Dr. Mario Ramos
AAPD Foundation President

Read the latest from the President

You can help!

Without additional support, more children will face harm in an already under-resourced system.

Donate

Our Kids Shouldn’t Pay the Price for Budget Cuts

Your support helps strengthen the clinics and programs that ensure kids don’t lose access to essential dental care because of policy or funding changes. Standing up for kids’ oral health has never mattered more. This National Children’s Dental Health Month, be the safety net they desperately need.

Open to all this month

The Hero Library!

Full of ready-to-use tools that help kids build healthy habits and celebrate every dental win.
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Be a family’s healthy smile hero!

Donate today to help kids across the country access the care they need, no matter what funding changes come.

Healthy Smile Hero

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