The Australian Dental Association (ADA) Dental Health Foundation seeks to improve the dental health of Australians who cannot easily access or afford dental care. Our vision is for disadvantaged Australians to have equitable access to quality oral health care.

The Foundation has always recognised the importance of oral health and that it is integral to overall health. We strive to reduce the barriers individuals often face in accessing this essential care.

The Foundation’s team works diligently to build supportive networks that empower volunteers, partners, patients, and colleagues, ensuring people in challenging circumstances can access comprehensive and essential oral health care.

Many of our patients experience anxiety about their teeth, diminished self-esteem, and feelings of being unemployable or worthless. Many hide their teeth and have stopped smiling.

Our programs give relief from pain and improve chewing and speech.

Our volunteers change lives by restoring health, dignity, and confidence.

Oral health changes lives. Smiles are powerful.

A smile is the perfect example of a small act that has potential for big impact.

Volunteering can be life-changing and has been shown to improve mental health and wellbeing, increase life satisfaction, enhance professional fulfilment, and strengthen professional identity. It can reduce depression, anxiety and burnout. The prosocial nature of volunteering expands networks, fosters community, and builds social ties that generate further positive flow-on effects.

Together, we can do so much.

Each year, it is inspiring to see the Foundation continue to grow, with more volunteers stepping forward and more patients receiving the care they need. This steady growth reflects the calibre and shared values of the professionals who choose to volunteer with us. They bring more than expertise – they understand their skills carry both opportunity and responsibility, and that they can do good simply because they can. Our contributions have a real, lasting impact, reaching beyond individual patients to families, communities, and the broader health system.

Collaboration is at the heart of everything we achieve.

Nationwide the Foundation partners with registered charities and non-for-profits to coordinate pro bono dental care through our volunteer network. Our volunteer dental professionals are vital, offering their expertise and at no cost, aiding individuals who may otherwise not receive essential oral health care.

We are proud of the amazing effort and committed teamwork that the Foundation represents. In FY25, our impact included providing over $1.3M worth of dental care, treatment, and services. This impact was made possible by 133 volunteer practices who dedicated their time and effort to caring for 575 patients. These patients were referred to the Foundation through 216 partnered organisations.

For every $1 donated to the Foundation, $5 worth of dental care is delivered to Australians in need.

The Foundation offers meaningful programs to aid and support vulnerable individuals to receive dental care and education. Our main programs include the Adopt A Patient, Rebuilding Smiles, and Dental Rescue Days.

The Adopt A Patient program matches volunteer dental professionals with patients in need of dental care. The program provides comprehensive dental care delivered across multiple appointments, building rapport and patient confidence in understanding and maintaining their oral health.

The Rebuilding Smiles program is devoted to helping individuals who have been impacted by domestic and family violence. As the name suggests, this often involves smile restoration which improves not only oral health but significantly enhances self-esteem and confidence. These positive impacts can be life changing.

Dental Rescue Days bring volunteer teams together working to care for many disadvantaged Australians in one day. These days offer essential dental care, often treating toothaches and addressing urgent dental needs. A Dental Rescue Day can have a significant impact in a small amount of time as these patients may not otherwise be able to receive dental care.

The Foundation is dedicated to promoting the importance of oral health in our community. This includes education projects, scholarships, and grants to empower future careers of dental professionals through our Healthier Smiles Community Service Grants, and First Nations Grants. Please find more about these on our website adadhf.org.au

Our team of smile builders is changing the world one smile at a time.