Chicago Dental Society donations support access to care programs, dental education

    Jan. 13, 2009
    Organization grants $1.7 million in donations in 2008.

    In 2008, the Chicago Dental Society, a membership organization for dentists in Cook, Lake and DuPage Counties in Illinois, granted $1.7 million to foundations, clinics, students, and a local college to support efforts to improve dental health for all Illinoisians.

    The lion's share of this total, $1.5 million, was earmarked for the new Chicago Dental Society Foundation. The foundation is charged with providing a stable source of income to dental education programs and dental clinics through private and corporate fundraising.

    Grant recipients also include programs serving families and the disabled, as well as training programs for dental hygienists and scholarships to students at the University of Illinois-Chicago and Southern Illinois University--the state's two remaining dental schools.

    CDS President Dr. David Kumamoto says, "In these tough times, support for our local dental programs is even more crucial. We at CDS are proud to lead the charge in supporting programs that improve oral health care in Illinois."

    Since establishing a grant program in 2001, the CDS Board of Directors has authorized 79 grants, totaling more than $4.6 million, and 837 scholarships, totaling more than $460,000.

    Beginning in 2009, the Chicago Dental Society Foundation will take over grant-making for the society; however, the core mission of funding initiatives that strengthen dental education and dental care remains unchanged.

    Complete list of grant recipients for 2008
    Advocate Charitable Foundation, $2,000
    Alivio Medical Center, $5,000
    Chicago Dental Society Foundation, $1.5 million
    Community Nurse Health Association, $10,000
    DuPage Community Clinic, $10,000
    Erie Family Health Center, $10,000
    Free People's Clinic, $10,000
    Goldie's Place Dental Clinic, $2,000
    Illinois Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped, $10,000
    Infant Welfare Society of Chicago, $2,000
    Near North Health Services, $2,000
    Northwest Community Healthcare Foundation, $10,000
    Oak Park and River Forest Infant Welfare Society, $10,000
    Prairie State College's Dental Hygiene Program, $9,421.50
    Racing Industry Charitable Foundation, $5,000
    St. Bernard Hospital and Health Care Center Dental Clinic, $10,000
    Scholarships, $108,500

    For more information, go to Chicago Dental Society Foundation.

    To read more about the Chicago Dental Society, go to Chicago Dental Society.

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