Grants That Change Lives

The Oral Health International Foundation was established to provide financial grants that support communities and individuals in need of dental care. Since 1986, the Foundation has funded over 850 grants totaling $6,000,000 worldwide, helping to improve access to oral health services and enhance the quality of care. The need for support remains significant. Together, we continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients around the globe.

This page includes all the information you need to apply for a grant, including eligibility requirements, application guidelines, and important deadlines. Grant applications are accepted each year from March 1 through June 1, offering an opportunity for dental professionals and organizations to receive funding that can expand services, create new programs, or enhance existing oral health initiatives.

Download Grant Application →
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People Helped

1 Million +

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Grants Awarded

$5,921,817.32

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Number of Grants

845

Information About Grants

  • The Foundation accepts grant applications between March 1 and June 1 for projects to be completed the following year.

  • The Foundation will consider innovative projects in all areas of oral health; however, it does place special emphasis on programs that increase access and provide care to a deserving but inadequately served public.

  • The Foundation will only be considered for the following items:

    • Small and/or large instruments

    • Disposable medical equipment and supplies

    • Instrumental rental

    • Lab Fees

  • The Foundation will not fund the following items:

    • University or institutional costs, essays, or research

    • Salaries

    • Travel or any related travel expenses

    • Questionnaires and surveys

    • Patient and dental literature (websites, brochures, videos)

    • Capital projects

    • Insurance

    • Computers and IT support

    • Land and/or building acquisitions

    • Social services of a non-dental nature

    • Programs that are the government's responsibility and are supported by tax revenues

    • Volunteer support, including t-shirts, food, and accommodations

    • Dinners, tables, or tickets to fundraising events

    • Advertising and promotional activities

    • Contributing to the general funds of other organizations, including endowments

  • Yes, all organizations applying for a grant must be a registered 501(c)(3) organization, and an IRS Letter of Determination must be provided with each grant application.  For non-USA applicants, a tax-exempt certificate must be submitted.

  • No, you can not submit different proposals for different projects managed by the same organization. 

  • All grant applications must include the following items. If you don't include a complete application, it will not be considered for review.

    • Application Form

    • Tax-exempt documentation (IRS Letter of Determination or non-USA documentation)

    • Itemized Project Budget - A detailed breakdown of ALL items must be provided.  A budget line item will not be accepted.

    • Organization Budget

    • Two current letters of endorsement.  

    • List of Board of Directors

    • Principal Applicant Curriculum Vitae

  • The Oral Health International Foundation Board of Trustees reviews all complete grant applications.  They determine which grants and the amount each grant will be funded.  All grant winners will be notified by mid-November.  

  • Yes, you can receive a grant for two consecutive years.  After two years, you must skip one year before being able to apply again.

  • All grants must be emailed as a SINGLE PDF to: oralhealthinternational@gmail.com.

    (Multiple files will not be accepted.) 

Download Grant Application →

2025-2026 Grant Recipients

Australasian Begg Society of Orthodontists

Centre Volunteers

Chesapeake Care Clinic

Comunidad Agropecuaria Industrial EAS

Cura Smiles

Doctors' Volunteer Clinic

Ebenezer Medical Outreach

Filling the Gap

Footbridge

Georgia Dental Association Foundation for Oral Health

Global Dental Relief

Grace Church

Haiti Outreach Ministries

Haitian Health Foundation

Hands on Peru

Hope for a Healthier Humanity

Hope Medical Clinic

InterFaith Health Center

Iowa PFA Section

Kigamboni Pupils Care

Local Hope:  Xela Aid Partnership for Self Reliance

Mercy Health Center

Minnesota Dental Foundation

Miracle Making Ministries

Mission Outpost Dental Clinic

Muchila Access Project

Nuevas Sonrisas

Oasis Free Clincs

PEER Servants

Philia Mission Kenya

Rise Together International

Seattle's Union Gospel Mission Dental Clinic

SmileFaith Appalachia 

Smiles International Foundation

Sonrisas Felices

Susan Dew Hoff Clinic, Inc.

The Filipino-Canadian Dental Hygienist Society

The Hills Dental Associates

The Rhode Island Oral Health Foundation

University of Nairobi/Kicoshep

VINA Community Dental Center

Virginia Dental Association Foundation

Water at Work Ministry

West Virginia Health Right

Wheeling Health Right

Change a Life with a Smile

Your gift provides essential dental care to underserved communities worldwide.

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