Same life-changing work, all-new name: Meet the ADA Dental Health Foundation

The launch of the ADA Dental Health Foundation (ADA DHF), previously the Australian Dental Health Foundation, which took place at the FDI World Dental Congress 2023 in Sydney, Australia, marks a new chapter in the work of an organisation whose work is vital to the oral health of a range of dentally disadvantaged groups in Australia. 

At an event attended by key staff, Board members, donors, supporters and the volunteers who make the work of the ADA DHF happen, the rebranding brings the crucial support and involvement of the Australian Dental Association (ADA), Australia’s peak body for dentists, to the fore. 

The new name for an organisation which coordinates vital work among the homeless, mentally ill, and those coming out of domestic violence emphasises that the ADA has been, and will continue to be, deeply committed to the oral health of all Australians. 

This commitment has shown itself in the ongoing advocacy work of the ADA on behalf of groups such as those in aged care, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and those with low incomes, its contribution to major inquiries such as the Senate’s Provision of and Access to Dental Services in Australia [ https://ada.org.au/ada-backs-interim-senate-report-on-dentistry-in-australia ] and is now clearly evident in the new name of an organisation which has proved crucial to transforming the lives of so many people. 

Among the work carried out by the ADA DHF are the following programs: 
 
The Adopt a Patient program pairs volunteer dentists with patients who are in need of a course of treatment. These patients are referred by charities and include the homeless, people undergoing drug and alcohol rehabilitation, those affected by mental health issues, domestic violence, and beyond. In 2022-23, 1,395 patients were referred for treatment with 113 practices Australia-wide offering pro bono dental care. 

The Rebuilding Smiles® program offers treatment to people who have been affected by domestic and/or family violence. While some patients may have experienced dental trauma, typically patients have ongoing oral health conditions related to their lack of dental treatment over time, and in 2022-23, 153 patients received pro bono treatment, delivered by volunteer practitioners who generously give of their time. 

Dental Rescue Days® (DRD) are held in dental practices which commit a half or full day and their entire team to treating patients pro bono. Over the course of 2022-23, there were 32 DRD, held nationally offering 390 appointments to people most in need of acute care. 

In addition, the ADA DHF offers grants and scholarships that empower upcoming dental professionals to further their studies and for those in already in the profession to provide badly needed oral healthcare to those in rural and remote areas. 

The ADA is proud to support all of these offerings which underscore the importance it places on the oral health of everyone in the country and it looks forward to ensuring the work of the ADA DHF is able to go from strength to strength in coming years. 
 

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE ADHF