Our 4 Favorite Dental Charities

This Sunday (November 15) is National Philanthropy Day, an annual holiday to celebrate, honor, and encourage charitable work across United States and the globe! National Philanthropy Day, is a day that thousands around the world come together to put words into action and recognize the change philanthropy has brought to our communities. President Ronald Reagan made November 15 the official date for this holiday nearly three decades ago in 1986.

At Dr. Craig Armstrong’s Houston, TX office, we’re dedicated to serving the community with our dental expertise and experience. We support causes that spread smiles throughout the world. We’re particularly passionate about those that tackle oral health issues, since we truly understand how healthy teeth and gums contribute to people’s wellbeing and happiness. In honor of National Philanthropy Day, we highlight our four favorite dental charities in the following blog.

1. Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children

Unfortunately, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, “23% of children 2 to 11 have untreated dental caries…Black and Hispanic children and those living in families with lower incomes have more untreated decay.” Suffering from cavities is uncomfortable, embarrassing, and very unhealthy for children. In addition, caries can open up younger patients to a whole host of other oral health issues, even affecting their permanent teeth. Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children provides programs to help underserved children get the dental health care they need. This charitable foundation is the philanthropic arm of the American Association of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD), so it is uniquely suited to, “ensure every child has a dental home—a place where they can receive consistent, compassionate dental care.”

2. National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped

Affiliated with the American Dental Association (ADA) and also known as the Dental Lifeline Network, this foundation helps patients with disabilities (including the elderly and medically compromised, as well as those with special needs) enjoy the healthy, beautiful smiles they deserve. The foundation provides free dental care to those in need, spearheads outreach programs to educate patients with developmental disabilities on the importance of oral health, and even offers “Dental HouseCalls” in several states to help homebound patients.

3. Oral Health America

This organization has a broad and admirable mission: “Our vision is a future free of oral disease and pain.” As such, Oral Health America has spent the past six decades advocating for a better dental policy in the United States, informing the public about oral health issues, and expanding Americans’ access to proper dental care. The organization supports a variety of programs to achieve these goals.

4. The Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation

We may be a bit biased, but our absolute favorite charity is the Texas Dental Association’s Smiles Foundation. Earlier this year, Dr. Armstrong became the President of the TDA. Of course, he is thrilled to serve as our state’s voice in the ADA, contribute to scholarly research, and educate other dental professionals. He is also delighted that this position affords him the opportunity to maintain and expand the TDA’s philanthropic efforts. Dr. Armstrong is proud to assist with Give Kids a Smile, the Cavity Free Corral, and the Fluoride Festival.

Contact Us Today

What better way to celebrate National Philanthropy Day than by giving back to your community and taking care of your smile? To find out more about these charities or schedule your next appointment, contact our Houston dental practice today.