The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) Foundation reminds dental professionals that funds are available to support projects that improve the oral health of the public and support the efforts of general dentists.
Established in 1972, the AGD Foundation is dedicated to improving the oral health of the public and supporting the efforts of the general dentist through financial support of scientific, educational and charitable initiatives, which are determined by the AGD. The foundation awards grants which support these oral health initiatives.
The AGD Foundation supports dental access programs that help make dental care and oral health literacy available to underserved populations, and educational programs that train the general dentist to better serve the aged, physically and mentally challenged and children, particularly those whose economic circumstances places them at risk, believing that better oral health will lead to increased overall health and add to their quality of life.
This year, the AGD Foundation awarded several grants:
* The Texas Academy of General Dentistry received a grant to help conduct free oral cancer screenings and disseminate information on the oral implications of cancer therapy at the Lance Armstrong Health and Sports Expo.
* The Aging Research Institute will use their funds to launch an intensive hands-on continuing education program in nursing home dentistry for professionals in Kansas and its surrounding areas.
* The Northwest Medical Teams Mobile Dental Care Program will provide a continuing education course on the management of the young child in the dental office and provide educational outreach materials regarding the prevention of early childhood cavities in the form of patient brochures, educational videos, evaluation tools and personal contact with the dental providers.
* The National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias will conduct a project called "Improving Oral Health Care for Individuals Affected by Edtodermal Dysplasia Syndromes: A program to Educate Dentists, Families and Insurers". The purpose of this project is to distribute an educational resource that provides guidelines for oral health care for individuals affected by ED Syndromes.
* The Pennsylvania Academy of General Dentistry received a grant to fund their project, KidzGrinz, a Web site designed to educate children about proper oral health. The site will serve as a tool for teachers and parents and will allow children, teachers and parents to ask the Pennsylvania AGD dentists questions about oral health.
How to Apply for an AGD Foundation Grant
Applicants must be involved with a dental access program, patient education, or a program that involves clinical applications for the general dentist. The AGD Foundation Board will consider proposals that clearly define the project and include a specific timeline and budget, scientific, educational or charitable goals and criteria for measuring success.
The deadline for the next round of grant applications is November 15, 2003. These proposals will be reviewed in January 2004 and applicants will be notified of the Board's decisions no later than February 15, 2004. This year, more than $60,000 in grants has already been awarded.
For a grant application, please contact Anne Costello, Development Manager, Academy of General Dentistry Foundation, at (312) 440-4306 or at [email protected].
Donations to the AGD Foundation are Needed
The AGD Foundation is also seeking donors to contribute to the Foundation. In the past, members of the dental community, dental manufacturers and generous individuals have donated funds. With the continued support of donors, the AGD Foundation will fund future dental health initiatives.
To make a donation, please contact Anne Costello, Development Manager, Academy of General Dentistry Foundation, at (312) 440-4306 or at [email protected].
