The Dr. Kevin M. Kenny Foundation and American Student Dental Association (ASDA) District 11 recently raised $8,000 to help the Homeless Not Toothless and University of California San Diego (UCSD) Student-Run Free Dental Clinics.
“Oral health is fundamental for personal well-being. I’m glad we were able to rally up the dental community during a time of crisis to help those who struggle to access dental care,” said Vivian Lee, ASDA District 11 service chair.
Millions of Americans lost their health coverage including dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic, the groups said. Free and low-cost dental clinics have been serving these people but have been struggling to meet the growing demand with their limited resources, the groups added.
To combat the shortage of funds and supplies, the groups organized 10 free continuing education courses for dental professionals. Topics were chosen to prepare dental professionals for a successful career in dentistry and practice ownership.
Corporate sponsors for the CE courses provided the funding, which went to the clinics. In the past four years, the nonprofit Dr. Kevin M. Kenny Foundation has donated more than $135,000 for underserved populations and humanitarian mission trips.
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