Dental Grants for Children

Oral health care is not available for far too many American children who suffer from dental problems, painful cavities and dental emergencies. The First Five Association of California found that one in three children ages 1 to 5 did not have access to dental insurance and a third had never visited a dentist. Programs funded by foundation grants aim to serve needy children.

First Five of California

• Dental care for low-income children in California is available through First Five.

  First Five is the only group that funds dental care for young low-income children in California. The group provides screening and fluoride varnishes to prevent cavities and increases access to fluoridated drinking water.

  First Five California

  California Children & Families Commission

  2389 Gateway Oaks Drive

  Suite 260

  Sacramento, CA 95833

  Telephone: [phone]

  Email: [email protected]

Tomorrow's Smiles

• Tomorrow's Smiles rebuilds teen's self-esteem by restoring their smiles.

  Tomorrow's Smiles is a program funded by the National Children's Oral Health Foundation and its contributors. Tomorrow's Smiles works to restore healthy smiles to at-risk teens who have suffered poor dental health. Complimentary aesthetic and functional services may include cosmetic contouring and bonding, bleaching, cosmetic periodontics, endodontics, orthodontics, oral surgery, veneers and ceramic crowns, orthognathic surgery and implants. To be eligible teens must be age 13 to 19, attend middle or high school or a high school equivalency program, write an essay describing their needs, participate in the Pay It Forward program and meet federal poverty income criteria.

  National Children's Oral Health Foundation: America's Toothfairy

  4108 Park Road

  Suite 406

  Charlotte, NC 28209

  Telephone: [phone]

  Toll-free: 800-559-9838

Healthy Smiles

• Healthy Smiles is just one of the grants available through the ADA.

  The American Dental Association funds Access to Care Grants available for one year in awards up to $20,000 to programs providing dental care to children without access. Grants are intended to pay for clinic supplies, instruments, educational materials, supplies such as toothbrushes and toothpaste and dentist participation.

  Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children

  211 E. Chicago Ave.

  Suite 1700

  Chicago, IL 60611-2637

  Telephone: [phone]

  E-mail: [email protected]