Healthy Smile Hero here!

The neon’s still burning bright from an electric AAPD 2026 in Las Vegas. We’ve all heard the saying, “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas…” but I want to talk about it! It was an inspiring gathering of bright minds, warm hearts, and giving spirits that had us all smiling under the lights.

Putt. Donate. Advocate.

It turns out my fellow Healthy Smile Heroes are just as good at sinking putts as they are at saving teeth. Heroes big and small stepped up to the green and showed off their golf skills. Between putts, we talked about what’s at stake for kids’ dental health – and how we can all be part of the solution.

Many of our grantees depend on federal funding for up to 70% of their budgets, and that funding is disappearing. You can’t run on 30%! Safety-net clinics need our support to continue doing what they do best – providing compassionate, comprehensive care for kids across the country. The putt-putt is fun, but the crisis is real. We need your help to be the bridge that keeps kids connected to care.

Attendees left our booth glowing with their fabulous AAPD Foundation LED bracelets! They were fun, flashy, and every dollar donated for one goes directly to helping kids access the dental care they need! Talk about a hole-in-one for kids’ health. 🦷💚

Scroll to See More

Shout out to my friends at Sprig Oral Health Technologies for creating the Sprig Matching Gift Challenge!

During AAPD 2026, every donation made at the booth was DOUBLED, up to $10,000. I am proud to share that we exceeded our goal, including Sprig’s matching gift, raised $53,481!!! Thank you Sprig and everyone who donated at AAPD 2026. Together, we’re turning generosity into real, tangible change for kids who need it most.

Welcome Reception

It was an iconic Las Vegas night. The High Roller Ferris wheel was shining bright on us while we enjoyed cirque-inspired entertainers, delicious food and beverage stations, and the magic of being together. Did you spot the AAPD Foundation ice cream station!?

We closed out the night with a concert featuring Better Than Ezra, Five For Fighting, and Gin Blossoms. An awesome rock ‘n roll show paired with the unmistakable energy of the city. Viva Las Vegas!

Scroll to See More

Donor Appreciation Reception

The Donor Appreciation Reception was a delightful evening where we got the chance to honor the people who really make our mission possible: the donors! Every donor counts and every dollar makes a difference. THANK YOU to supporters of the Foundation. ❤️

Scroll to See More

We also presented the Dr. Beverly A. Largent Access to Care Innovator Award, which shines a light on a provider breaking down barriers to care – and the passion, commitment, and creativity it takes to do so. 🏆 Our 2026 Access to Care Innovator is Mr. Ernesto Hart!

For nearly 34 years, Ernesto Hart has been the steady, mission-driven force behind The Floating Hospital’s dental program, serving New York City’s poorest children and families with compassion, ingenuity, and unwavering integrity. As Dental Manager, Mr. Hart has built a safe haven where children and families experiencing homelessness, trauma, poverty or other challenges receive dignity and care. He transformed a ship-based, single-chair screening service into a high-capacity dental clinic serving thousands of the city’s most vulnerable patients.

Thank you to Elevate Oral Care for sponsoring this award, and thank you to all supporters of the Foundation for being exemplary Healthy Smile Heroes.

To read more about the Bevvy Award and Mr. Ernesto Hart, click here.

Hasta luego, Drs. Fong, Ison, Lowe, Maguire, Nickman, and Rutkauskas!

Some of my favorite Healthy Smile Heroes are stepping down from the Board of Trustees, and I’m feeling wistful already. Thank you for your dedication, thoughtfulness, and big hearts during your time on the Board. You made every meeting brighter and more impactful. We will miss you!

Scroll to See More

Thank you for an amazing AAPD 2026

See you for more fun & philanthropy at AAPD 2027 in Washington, DC!