Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children: The Foundation of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (HSHC) is now accepting applications for its 2015 Access to Care Grants. HSHC is committed to supporting community based initiatives providing Dental Homes to children whose families cannot afford dental care.  HSHC supports this goal through its Access to Care Grants targeting children up to age 18.

HSHC Access to Care Grants are one year matching grants of up to $20,000, supporting community-based initiatives in the U.S. that provide dental care and ultimately serve as a Dental Home to underserved/limited access children. Special consideration will be given to programs supporting the Age-One dental visit and providing care to special needs patients.

HSHC funds may be applied to cover costs of dental care, clinic supplies and instruments, patient/parent/caregiver education materials, take-home supplies (toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc.), salary, education and/or outreach to recruit dentist participation in program activities or other activity with clear, direct impact on child oral care and a direct link to the Dental Home.

Access to Care Grants must be expended within 12 months of the award.

Guidelines and application instructions are available at www.healthysmileshealthychildren.org.  Applications are due Monday, August 18, 2014. For further information, contact Tracey Schilligo, Grant and Corporate Relations Manager at 312-337-2169 or via e-mail at tschilligo@aapd.org