Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases among children in the U.S., despite being 100% preventable. For the economically disadvantaged, tooth decay can have a domino effect, causing pain, malnutrition, behavior problems, poor school performance and school absences. If left untreated, tooth decay causes pain and infections that may lead to problems such as eating, speaking, playing and learning.
The AAPD Foundation has given more than $4.9 million in new grants and commitments throughout the last eight years with over $1.3 million in 2018. Since its inception in 2010, the Foundation's Access to Care initiatives have provided dental care for over 354,000 underprivileged children.
"We look forward to continuing to ensure every child has a dental home through the funding and cultivation of community-based initiatives for pediatric dentists to help solve the oral health problems of children," Rogers said. "Our name has changed, but our mission has not."
About The AAPD Foundation
The AAPD Foundation, formerly Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children (HSHC), strives to ensure every child has a dental home, a place where they can receive consistent, compassionate dental care. The Foundation has given more than $4.9 million in grants and commitments throughout the last eight years with Access to Care initiatives helping provide dental care for more than 354,000 children whose families cannot afford dental care. To donate, volunteer or learn more about the AAPD Foundation, visit https://www.aapdfoundation.org.
