ODA Foundation

Our Foundation benefits future dentists and vulnerable populations throughout Ohio.

Through donor support, the ODA Foundation helps make a difference for future dentists and vulnerable populations in Ohio by awarding annual grants and scholarships. Hundreds of Ohio dental school students have received financial assistance and countless more uninsured and low-income Ohioans have received dental care and a healthier smile thanks to community dental programs that we help.

One of the best ways our member dentists can preserve their impact upon the profession in Ohio and in their communities is by supporting the ODA Foundation through general donations, participating in the annual fundraiser and planned giving. Whether establishing a legacy such as a designated fund or donating because you believe in the foundation’s good work, the ODA Foundation can help you make an impact on the future of the profession of dentistry and dental care in Ohio.

How We Make a Difference

check presentationThe ODA Foundation is excited to have awarded more than $1.5 million to worthy students and organizations that improve oral health in Ohio thanks to the generous support of our donors. Through grants and scholarships, the ODA Foundation helps decrease the cost of dental education for future dentists and increases access to dental care by supporting community oral health programs in Ohio.

The 2021 ODA Foundation Annual Impact Report shows how your donations to the ODA Foundation are working to improve access to care through grants and scholarships. Click here to view this report and learn how the ODA Foundation continues to Advance Oral Health in Ohio.

Advancing Oral Health in Ohio

2021 Impact

8 Dental Student Scholarships

$26,500 awarded in scholarships

3 Access to Care Grants

$11,000 toward increasing access to care in Ohio

ODA Foundation Impact

$1.5million awarded since 1995

101 grants to improve access to care in Ohio

400 scholarships to dental and auxiliary students

Over $1million in scholarships and grants to support dental education in Ohio

“I joined the field of dentistry with the desire to help improve patient care experience and make dental care accessible to all. Because of this scholarship, I am now one step closer to accomplishing my goals as a future dental provider.”

Amber Dalal, 2021 Scholarship Recipient from OSU College of Dentistry

Our Mission

The Ohio Dental Association Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the ODA, committed to a mission of improving the oral health of the citizens of Ohio and enhancing the dental profession in the state.

Your support helps us continue to make a difference by funding grants and scholarships. The Foundation is managed by a Board of Trustees and assisted by other ODA staff.

Support the ODA Foundation

There are many ways to give to the ODA Foundation:

  • Donate when you join or renew your membership with the ODA.
  • Participate in the annual fundraiser.
  • Make a donation at any time during the year, including donations to a specific fund or in honor or memory of an individual.
  • Plan for the establishment of your dental legacy by creating a planned gift to the ODA Foundation.
  • Participate in Kroger Community Rewards by linking your Kroger Card to the ODA Foundation.

Contact the ODA Foundation to learn more about planned giving options by calling (800) 282-1526 or emailing dentist@oda.org.

Donate Now

Designated Funds

Funds within the ODA Foundation have been created for special purposes that fall within the Foundation’s mission and align with the donor’s charitable interests. The following Funds exist within the ODA Foundation:

  • Akron Dental Society Claypool Fund
  • Faith Barlow Fund
  • Callahan Memorial Award Commission Fund
  • Cincinnati Dental Society Bev Fortner Fund
  • Bob & Peg Hinkle Family Fund
  • Dr. Kevin Laing Fund
  • Lorain County Dental Society Fund
  • Mercer Fund
  • Ohio Society of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Fund
  • Nancy Seigfreid-Burgess Fund
  • Rehwinkel Dental Society Fund

If you wish to designate a donation toward one of these funds, please note the fund name on your check made payable to the ODA Foundation and mail it to 1370 Dublin Rd., Columbus, OH 43215.