Capital Area Dental Foundation

The Capital Area Dental Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing charitable dental care in Central Texas. Established in 2007, it is closely affiliated with the Capital Area Dental Society, which is part of a tripartite affiliation with the Texas Dental Association and the American Dental Association[1].

Mission and Programs

The foundation's mission is to transform lives by offering access to comprehensive charitable dental care. It achieves this through several key programs:

• Community Dental Days: In partnership with Dentists with a Heart, this program provides no-cost dental care to underserved and uninsured individuals and families in the region[2].
• Season for Caring: Offers comprehensive dental care to individuals nominated by local nonprofit organizations during the holiday season[2].
• St. Vincent de Paul: Focuses on providing emergency dental care to working poor adults[2].

Since launching its Community Dental Day program in 2017, the foundation has served nearly 1,200 patients across eleven events. Recent events have demonstrated significant impact, with over $50,000 in charitable dental care provided to more than 100 patients at a single event in September 2024[3].

Recognition and Fundraising

In 2014, the Capital Area Dental Foundation was recognized as the mid-size Austin Non Profit of The Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals[1]. The foundation relies on ongoing support through various fundraising initiatives, including the annual Golf Classic and participation in Amplify Austin[3].

Impact

Through its charitable efforts, the foundation has provided critical dental services such as extractions, dentures, and oral surgery to those in need, including permanently disabled individuals[5]. Despite a pause during the early years of the pandemic, the foundation has resumed its activities with renewed vigor, offering vital health services to underserved communities in Central Texas[3].