The Virginia Dental Association Foundation (VDAF) is a nonprofit organization that was established in 1996 to increase access to dental care for Virginians. The VDAF accomplishes this mission through its three programs, Missions of Mercy, Donated Dental Services, and Give Kids A Smile.
Thousands of Virginians experience chronic pain resulting from oral disease. These people have no other alternative because they lack basic resources such as dental insurance or personal finances to provide for comprehensive dental care and preventative services.
The VDAF believes that oral health is an intricate part of the overall health and well-being of an individual. Neglected oral hygiene has both physiological and psychological effects. Diseases of the mouth can lead to other serious concerns such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Individuals who suffer from medical complications such as cancer and AIDS are at an increased risk for developing oral disease. The programs supported by the VDAF help to alleviate individuals of pain, discomfort, malnutrition, embarrassment, low self-esteem and depression that often result from poor oral hygiene.
The mission of the Virginia Dental Association Foundation is to provide access to dental care to underserved Virginians including, but not limited to, the elderly, disabled, uninsured, underinsured and children.
This objective is achieved through the Mission Of Mercy (MOM), Donated Dental Services (DDS) and Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) programs.
