About Our Foundation
The National Dental Association Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was established in 1976 as the charitable arm of the National Dental Association (NDA) – the largest dental organization representing African American dentists, dental students, dental hygienists, and dental assistants both nationally and internationally.
For over 40 years, the Foundation has been dedicated to advancing oral health equity and increasing diversity in the oral health professions by supporting the education and training of students and residents, professional development, oral health research, and community outreach. It achieves this through awarding scholarships and fellowships, providing grants, and funding programs that advance diversity in the oral health professions, expand scientific understanding of oral health and disease, and foster community oral health education and equity in healthcare.
Our Partners
Together with our partner Colgate-Palmolive, the Foundation has provided over $4 million in scholarship funds for more than 3,000 students, as well as provided $4 million plus in student & faculty research funding to Howard University, Meharry Medical College, and the Morehouse School of Medicine.
Our Mission
The National Dental Association Foundation is dedicated to fostering philanthropy, advancing oral health equity, and ensuring oral health care remains a viable profession for students from systematically under-represented communities of color by providing scholarships and fellowship; supporting initiatives that focus on career pathways, professional development research, and community outreach programs.
Our Vision
Our vision is to make health equity a reality.
Our Core Values
RESPECT
- ~We value and respect all people, as well as, organizations, corporations, and educational institutions we affiliate, collaborate and partner with.
INTEGRITY
- ~We adhere to the highest moral, ethical, and professional standards in all we do.
STEWARDSHIP
- ~We give meticulous attention to managing the assets and resources entrusted to us in a careful and responsible manner assuring accuracy, transparency, and accountability.
COMMITMENT
- ~We are committed to the belief that oral health care is a right and not a privilege.