The Illinois State Dental Society Foundation (ISDSF) has announced the recipients of its 2025 Community Grants, awarding a total of $75,000 to 16 organizations across the state. The annual program supports initiatives aimed at improving oral health care access and education for underserved populations in Illinois.
ISDSF prioritizes projects that demonstrate strong community support, set measurable improvement goals, and bring innovative solutions to dental care. This year, 25 organizations submitted proposals, all working toward increasing access to oral health services for those in need.
After a thorough review, the grant committee selected the following projects for funding:
Jerger Pediatric Dentistry — $3,000
Partnering with the Teddy Bear Dental Fund since 1999, Jerger Pediatric Dentistry helps children and patients with special needs who lack access to dental care. The fund supports extensive dental treatments that families cannot afford.
Sustained by community donations and supported by Crossing Health Care, the program operates without overhead costs. Dentists donate time and only charge for supplies, with Teddy Bear covering 70% of treatment costs and families contributing the remaining 30%. Dr. Bret Jerger also provides an additional 25% in-kind discount per patient. Most beneficiaries hold medical cards that are not accepted elsewhere.
Well Child Center — $4,000
The grant will help fund school- and community-based dental clinics by purchasing necessary equipment, supplies, and materials. It will also support a Community Dental Health Coordinator (CDHC) to assist with clinical services and follow-up care. Additional funds will support educational materials to raise oral health awareness among children and families.
205 Direct Dental Services, Inc. (Dr. H. Cyrus Oates) — $10,000
This organization is working to raise nearly $1 million to build a new dental clinic for students in Rockford Public School District 205. The goal is to expand access from preventive to restorative dental care for over 12,000 students.
Currently, many students receive basic care, but over half require immediate restorative treatment. The school district will provide transportation, virtually eliminating missed appointments and ensuring every student can establish a reliable dental home.
University of Illinois Chicago — $5,000
This project will launch “Molar Clinics” at UIC’s Department of Pediatric Dentistry. Through a student-led initiative, the clinics will screen six-year molars in children across Illinois and educate caregivers about enamel defects in early permanent teeth.
UIC dental students will be trained in screening and caregiver education, then conduct evaluations and distribute preventive resources. The project aims to boost both oral health literacy and student learning. No similar program currently exists in the state.
Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees — $2,000
This initiative focuses on providing oral health services to uninsured and low-income adults in southern Illinois. The program will offer both education and care, improving long-term oral and general health outcomes.
Volunteer dentists, hygienists, and students from the SIU Dental Hygiene program will offer preventive services and help patients establish ongoing dental care at the SIU Community Dental Center.
These five projects represent a portion of the 16 initiatives funded this year, all committed to reducing oral health disparities in Illinois communities. ISDSF continues to support programs that expand care, promote education, and build sustainable dental health solutions across the state.
