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Our Mission:
Improving oral health for Oregon's children.
The Dental Foundation of Oregon was founded in 1982 to promote access to dental care for Oregonians in need. The Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Oregon Dental Association.
According to a recent report from the Oregon Department of Human Services Public Health Division, "Oral disease is a serious, often overlooked public health problem that affects the majority of Oregonians during their lifetime." Left untreated, dental decay becomes a chronic condition later in life and may contribute to lung disease, stroke and premature births.
The report, "The Burden of Oral Disease in Oregon" includes the following highlights:
- 73% of Oregon 11th graders report having had at least one cavity.
- Oral disease takes a heavier toll among minority racial and ethnic groups and low-income residents.
- Less than half of children age 8 have received dental sealants, a plastic coating that is applied to permanent molar teeth to seal out decay.
- 22 of Oregon's 36 counties have a shortage of dental professionals.
Unfortunately, poverty and other social circumstances often prevent children and adults from receiving adequate dental  care. The Dental Foundation of Oregon has recently adopted a new mission: Improving oral health for Oregon's children. By narrowing our focus to children and providing a combination of prevention, education and treatment programs, we hope to address the present dental crisis facing the state's children early in their lives. Poor dental health leads to pain, malnutrition and poor appearance, all of which can lower a child's self-esteem and ability to succeed. With your help, we can make a difference.
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