The Foundation is MDA's charitable not-for-profit subsidiary working to create better oral health for Missourians through educational programs, access-to-care initiatives and community collaborations. Created in 1977, its vision is Improving Missouri Smiles and all donations to it are tax-deductible.
Thank you to all our 2024 donors. Your contributions ensure the continued work of the Foundation. See list of donors here.
Programs
Dental Student Scholarships
Awarding dental scholarships to Missouri-based students is a hallmark of the Foundation. Since 1999, 114 scholarships totaling $396,000 in support have been awarded. This is made possible by the generous support of the Foundation by MDA members. We are pleased to have selected the 2025 winners! When the next cycle's application is available, you'll find it linked from the Dental Student page.
Children's Dental Health
The MDA Foundation supports children's dental health events in schools and communities with oral hygiene supply donations. The following are additional resources for children's dental health.
Children's Dental Health Month
The ADA and its Foundation annually provide information and materials so you can celebrate National Children's Dental Health Month (NCDHM) in February in your dental practice and community.
Points of Light
This program strives to connect 1-year-olds with a dental home by creating a collaborative community between pediatricians/family practitioners and pediatric/general dentists. Click to learn more.
ADA Give Kids a Smile
Launched nationally in 2003. Each year approximately 6,500 dentists and 30,000 dental team members volunteer at local GKAS events to provide free oral health education, screenings, preventive and restorative treatment to over 300,000 children. Click to learn more.
Greater St. Louis Give Kids a Smile
This flagship event was first held in 2002, and since then, has provided area underserved children with free, comprehensive dental care, including exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, restorations, oral surgery and x-rays. Click to learn more.
Oral Hygiene Supply Donation Request
The Foundation has a limited annual supply of free brush, paste and floss to help those doing oral health outreach to schools and communities. Click for details and order form.
Missouri Mission of Mercy
The Missouri Mission of Mercy (MOMOM) is a large-scale dental clinic that provides free oral healthcare to patients of all ages who cannot otherwise afford or access care, and is part of a nationwide effort. In Missouri, since 2011, more than 8,300 dental and general volunteers have provided more than $7.98 million in free care to 12,311 patients.
MOMOM Official Event Videos: Click here to view all MOMOM video recaps of the various clinics we have hosted!
We get asked often, "When's the next MOMOM?" MOMOM clinics are memorable for everyone, and we know both patients and volunteers alike want to know when and where the next event will be. Currently, we have no definite plans to announce. When we do have news, you will find it here.
We thank all volunteers, sponsors and donors who have helped make each MOMOM both possible and successful!
Give to the Foundation
All gifts to the Foundation are tax deductible. Thank you on behalf of the many Missourians who benefit from MDA Foundation programs.
Connect4Cash Fundraiser
Buy your 2025 ticket here! Each year the Foundation hosts this exciting reverse countdown raffle where the last person standing wins $1,500 (or more) in cash. This event culminates at the MDA Connect4Success in June, but you need not be present to win.
Memorial or In Honor Donation
You may give to the Foundation with a Memorial Contribution (to remember colleagues, friends or loved ones) or an In Honor Gift (to recognize a birthday, anniversary or special accomplishment). The Foundation will send an acknowledgement for the gift. Contact Paul Roberts for more information on this type of donation.
Endowment
In 2012, the Foundation began an endowment fund as a source of income to enhance the impact of the projects supported by the Foundation. The fund also serves as a resource to MDA members who wish to make specially designated gifts to the Foundation. Click here to read a brief description of the fund. Like all endowments, the principle is to remain intact in perpetuity. If you or your attorney or accountant wish to review the policies governing the setup of the MDAF Endowment or the spending policies for the endowment, please contact the MDA.
Contact Us
Foundation Board & Staff
Foundation Director
Paul Roberts
573-634-3436
3340 American Ave
Jefferson City MO 65109
Officers
Dr. Jeremy Bowen, Chair
Dr. Kirk Opdahl, Vice Chair
Dr. Lynne Barbour, Secretary/Treasurer
Directors
Dr. David Dumbach
Dr. Emily Hahn
Dr. Darren Mahaffey
Dr. Josh Montgomery
Dr. Danielle Riordan
Dr. Caitlin Rosemann
Dr. Chloe Stuck
Dr. Tim Taylor
Dr. Claire Williams
Ex-Officio
Vicki Wilbers, MDA Executive Director (non-voting)
