AAPD Foundation

Every child deserves a healthy, happy smile! Fluoride is one of the best tools in a parent's toolkit for building strong, cavity-resistant teeth. Here are some practical ways to make sure your little ones get the benefits of fluoride – because every smile deserves hero-level protection.

Kids in need can't wait - and neither should we.

EVERY child deserves a healthy smile. But for millions of kids, basic dental care is out of reach. It doesn't have to be this way. We turned to our community at and asked: what can YOU do to help?

Big or small, there's a role for all of us. 💛 Swipe through to see what our friends had to say! Maybe you'll get inspired to take your own step toward making a difference for children in need.

👇 Drop a comment below: what's ONE thing you can do to help kids get the dental care they deserve?

An easy option is donating to the AAPD Foundation! 100% of donations go to dental care for a child, whether it's routine cleanings or advanced treatments. With your support, we can ensure ALL little teeth get the care they need. Every dollar counts. Give the gift of a healthy smile at aapdfoundation.org/donate/

From energy to impact ❤️ In partnership with the AAPD Foundation, The Sprig Challenge raised more than $15K for children who deserve access to quality oral health care! 🙌

Right now, many of the programs that families rely on for dental care are facing real challenges. Together, we are working to support the providers, programs, and communities that help children stay healthy, confident, and thriving.

Grateful for everyone who helped make a difference at AAPD26. 🌱 Watch the recent conversation with our CEO, Brenda Hansen, and AAPD Foundation President, Dr. Mario Ramos. ▶️ https://youtu.be/EBEH1QUKYXM

A Shared Commitment to Children First | Sprig x AAPD Foundation In partnership with the AAPD Foundation, The Sprig Challenge raised...

🏆 Congratulations to our 2026 Dr. Beverly A. Largent Access to Care Innovator Award recipient, Mr. Ernesto Hart of The Floating Hospital in NYC!🎉

We were honored to celebrate Mr. Hart at the AAPD Foundation's Donor Appreciation Reception last weekend, and what a celebration it was. The Access to Care Innovator Award recognizes an individual who uses passion and creativity to increase access to dental care for underserved children, even with limited resources. Mr. Hart is the definition of that mission.

Through Mr. Hart's vision and dedication, a single-chair, ship-based screening service identifying cavities among homeless shelter residents has been transformed into a fully equipped, high-capacity dental clinic serving thousands of unhoused and low-income children. And he has done it all while caring for children, migrant families, and survivors of domestic violence - some of the most complex and vulnerable populations - never losing sight of his mission despite the financial constraints so common among safety-net providers.

Those who know Mr. Hart say it best! He is the "heart" of The Floating Hospital. ❤He doesn't just treat teeth. He restores confidence, trust, and joy in every young patient who walks through the door. 🦷💙

The AAPD Foundation is proud to award Mr. Hart $10,000 to support The Floating Hospital's continued work expanding access to dental care.

To Mr. Hart: thank you!!! You inspire us all. We are proud to honor you and the vital work you do. May your creativity, compassion, and persistence continue to open doors - and smiles - for children who need it most.🙏

Thank you to Elevate Oral Care for sponsoring the Innovator Award and supporting healthy smiles. Together, we can make a big difference for little teeth!

To read more about Mr. Hart and the Dr. Beverly A. Largent Access to Care Innovator Award, head to aapdfoundation.org/blog/dr-beverly-a-largent-access-to-care-innovator-award/

Day 1 of AAPD 2026 = SUCCESS 💥⛳✨

We putted. We laughed. We lit up the Exhibit Hall in our LED wristbands. Most importantly, we showed up BIG for kids in need 💛

Thank you to everyone who came out, donated, supported, and made the magic happen. It was an unforgettable day. You brought the energy, the fun, and the heart 🫶⛳

Oral health IS health.

It's Black History Month, and the AAPD Foundation recognizes that Black communities have historically faced - and continue to face - systemic barriers to dental care. Expanding access isn’t just about teeth. It’s about advancing health equity and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Through our Access to Care grants, we support clinics working every day to close these gaps so every child knows their dental health is cared for, protected, and valued.

Children deserve care.
Children deserve dignity.
Children deserve healthy smiles. 🦷✨

We are deeply grateful to Black dental professionals, educators, and community leaders who have expanded opportunity and improved health for generations of children. Your leadership moves this work forward - and inspires us to keep fighting for equity in every community.

Today is Toothache Day, and it's a stark reminder during National Children's Dental Health Month: millions of kids are in pain.

The heartbreaking truth? This pain is preventable. Regular checkups and early treatment can stop toothaches before they start. But too many children don't have access to the dental care that could protect them.

The AAPD Foundation is working to change that. We support safety-net clinics providing essential dental care to ALL kids, regardless of background or income. But nationwide, clinics are stretched thin. Without additional support, more children will face harm in an already under-resourced system.

No child should have to suffer with tooth pain. 💔 Kids shouldn't pay the price for budget cuts.

Join us in protecting kids' smiles and futures. Find out how at aapdfoundation.org/blog/protecting-kids-smiles-now-more-than-ever/