Hero Squad

Become a Healthy Smile Hero for children nationwide! Make a lasting difference year-round by joining the AAPD Foundation’s monthly giving program.

Join the Hero Squad!

Build Healthy
Smiles Every Month

When you become a monthly donor to the AAPD Foundation, you’re not just giving – you’re leading the charge to break down barriers and build lasting change for underserved children across the country.

Each year, the AAPD Foundation awards Access to Care grants to nonprofit clinics and programs that deliver critical dental care where it’s needed most. These life-changing grants are made possible entirely through the generosity of donors like you.

Your Monthly Gift Makes an Impact

A monthly gift – no matter the amount – creates sustainable impact all year long. Together, we can ensure that no child is left without the care they deserve. 

Your monthly support helps fund

Oral hygiene kits with toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss 
Rideshare vouchers to ensure patients can get to appointments 
Essential equipment like dental chairs, portable X-ray units, and PPE 
Stainless steel crowns, educational kits, and other clinical supplies 
Interpretation services for families who need them 
And much more!

Already a member of the Hero Squad?

Access the Hero Library

Monthly Donor Benefits

As a monthly donor, you’ll receive benefits such as a complimentary Healthy Smile Hero Bobblehead, free AAPD Foundation merchandise, and exclusive updates on what’s new with the Foundation and our grantees.  

HERO SQUAD Q&A with Dr. Kesley

HERO SQUAD member, Dr. Kelsey Brar, DMD, MS, MPH, brings enthusiasm and commitment to everything we do. Her Q&A is guaranteed to make you smile… and maybe even inspire you to join this stellar crew!

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.  

An illustration of our Healthy Smile Hero, wearing a pink cape, purple mask and skirt, and holding a dental floss lasso.

Join the league of 
Healthy Smile Heroes!

Donate today to help kids across the country access the care they need.

Grantee Stories

Your gift is more than just a transaction – it’s a story waiting to be told. Discover below how your monthly support can help write a better future for millions of children across the United States.

More stories to inspire

CommuniCare one-stop-shop care team providing medical, dental, and behavioral health services in San Antonio.
September 24, 2025 Blog Post

CommuniCare: One-Stop Shop for Hope

See how CommuniCare provide medical, dental, and behavioral health services all under the clinic’s umbrella.

Read More
The team at Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic, the first cleft palate clinic in the United States, stands with representatives from the AAPD Foundation.
August 7, 2025 Blog Post

Inside America’s First Cleft Palate Clinic 

See how CommuniCare provide medical, dental, and behavioral health services all under the clinic’s umbrella.

Read More