About MDA Foundation
The MDA Foundation is the Michigan Dental Association’s charitable organization. As such, it advances the profession of dentistry through various scholarship opportunities and other assistance to students of dentistry, dental hygiene and dental assisting.
Improving Access to Care
Each year the MDA Foundation awards grants to organizations providing access to dental care for disadvantaged individuals. These funds create an immediate positive impact to communities across Michigan. Recent access grant recipients include Volunteer for Dental in Muskegon, Helping Hands Dental Center in Midland and Hope Clinic in Ypsilanti
Other programs supported by the MDA Foundation include the Special Olympics Michigan Healthy Athletes Special Smiles program; a variety of other community dental clinics providing free or low cost dental services; and the Silver Creek Church in Marquette, which will distribute dental health kits to 500 children at its annual neighborhood block party event thanks to MDA Foundation support.
And, the MDA Foundation is proud to sponsor the Michigan Mission of Mercy. During the program nearly 1,000 volunteer dental professionals treat more than 1,000 patients, providing much-needed care to individuals who otherwise could not afford it.
Providing Student Scholarships
Each year the MDA Foundation awards its Robert Mitus Scholarship, John G. Nolen Scholarship, George L. Bletsas Scholarship, and Bill Schumann Scholarship to outstanding students in dentistry, dental hygiene, and dental assisting.