The Illinois Dental Society Foundation (ISDSF) provides funding to organizations that improve the oral health of Illinois residents through its Community Grants Program. The program specifically encourages proposals with measurable goals, innovative spirit, and broad community support.
This year, 25 organizations focused on improving the oral health of low-income people applied, and 16 organizations ultimately received a total of $75,000 in funding to expand dental services, improve health education, and expand coverage of underserved populations.
Below is a brief introduction to the funded organizations and projects
Jerger Children’s Dentistry ($3,000)
Since 1999, the clinic has partnered with the Teddy Bear Dental Foundation to provide services to children and special needs patients who cannot afford treatment.
The project is community-led, with the foundation covering 70% of the costs, the family paying 30%, and Dr. Jerger providing 25% in-kind donations. All patients have medical cards to ensure non-discriminatory services.
Children’s Health Center ($4,000)
The grant will be used to purchase equipment and supplies for the school dental clinic, and to fund a dental coordinator (CDHC) to coordinate follow-up treatment for children. In addition, it will be used to promote community dental education awareness.
205 Direct Dental Services ($10,000)
The agency is raising funds to build a new clinic with the goal of serving 12,000 students in the Rockford School District, so that they can receive restorative treatment while receiving preventive care. The project aims to significantly reduce the student absenteeism rate due to dental diseases.
University of Illinois at Chicago ($5,000)
The UIC Department of Pediatric Dentistry will establish a “Molar Clinic” led by students to provide children with early screening for sixth molars, improve students’ clinical skills and caregivers’ awareness of dental development defects.
Southern Illinois University ($2,000)
The project focuses on uninsured, fixed-income adult patients in the southern region, and volunteer dentists and dental students provide preventive services, with an estimated service of 20-25 people.
DeWitt-Piatt Bi-County Health Department ($5,000)
This clinic is the only one in the area that accepts new Medicaid patients, 90% of whom are low-income. Funds will be used to replace critical equipment and ensure continued mobile dental services for schools.
Hult Center for Healthy Living ($5,000)
This project responds to community concerns about oral health, specifically providing dental education and resources to underserved black and Latino communities.
Chicago Family Health Center ($5,000)
The purchase of new hand tools for tooth extraction will allow the center to provide dental surgery services to an additional 450 low-income patients each year, reducing the need for external referrals.
Dental Access Days ($5,000)
Operate a mobile dental vehicle equipped with 10 dental chairs, with plans to conduct five clinics in 2025, with an estimated 180 patients served and provided with basic dental care.
Ark Dental ($5,000)
Provides free comprehensive dental services to more than 400 low-income people each year. Funding will be used to purchase dental supplies. The service targets are mostly the elderly and patients with mental disorders.
Loyola Medical Center ($5,000)
Specially provides dental treatment for adolescents aged 14-22 with special medical needs, with a special focus on autism, developmental disabilities and chronic diseases, and promotes oral health education.
Hancock County Dental Center ($5,000)
Reopened after being closed for two and a half years, with the goal of serving low-income and Medicaid patients. Funding will be used to replenish basic dental supply stocks.
NCH Foundation ($2,500)
Its mobile clinic serves low-income children and adults in schools and communities. Funding will cover the operating costs of school-based programs and maintain service continuity.
Aurora Christian Healthcare ($5,000)
As the only free dental clinic in Aurora, it is committed to expanding dental hygiene and treatment services to meet the growing service needs of the community.
Bethany Child and Family Welfare ($4,500)
Operates the “Give a Child a Smile” mobile clinic, aiming to increase the number of children benefiting from 2,200 to 2,700. The grant will be used to replace the clinic’s generator.
ICN SHIFA Clinic ($4,000)
Provides dental services, including fillings, extractions, and education, to underserved populations worldwide. New equipment will improve service quality and support expanded weekend services.