Two providers alongside of a mother and son patient.Two providers alongside of a mother and son patient.

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.

34 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 800,000 children in setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits.

Family gathered at the dentist for a checkup.

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. 

1

Daily brushing and flossing keeps bacteria under control. Without these healthy hygiene habits, bacteria can result in cavities and gum disease.

Colorful illustration of father and son brushing their teeth in the mirror.

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Woman smiling with face mask under her chin and young girl smiling in a dentist chair.

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

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Lily’s Story

Young girl in a dentist office with a face mask on and two thumbs up.

A Mother’s Story

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Maria’s Story

Colorful illustration of family and dentist smiling and giving a thumbs up.

Dr. Herman’s Testimonials

Colorful illustration of family and dentist smiling and giving a thumbs up.

Dr. Nguyen’s Testimonial

A young boy getting a dental procedure from a provider.

Dr. Ahmed’s Testimonial

LEARN 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.