Maryland Foundation of Dentistry

06/04/2024

MFD Highlights Delta Dental Community Care Foundation as Key Contributor in 35th Anniversary Year

As a nonprofit organization that enables people with disabilities to restore their oral health and smiles, the Maryland Foundation of Dentistry (MFD) expresses thanks for generous funding support from the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation. MFD was the recipient of a $30,000 grant in 2023 that has been instrumental in allowing patients to receive free comprehensive dental care when they otherwise could not afford services.

MFD marks its milestone 35th anniversary year in 2024 operating the Donated Dental Services program. Through the goodness of their hearts, over 400 volunteer dentists treat patients for free in their offices with services including fillings, root canals, tooth extractions, bridges, crowns, dentures, and oral cancer screenings. Patients are treated to achieve the goal of restoring oral health and dental function. Over 200 dental labs are also treasured partners that produce prostheses at substantially discounted rates with MFD covering these expenses.

“MFD is infinitely grateful for the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation’s major support that truly has a life-changing impact for people that we serve. The Community Care Foundation’s commitment to increasing oral health care access is outstanding and impactful. At this landmark time in our organization’s history, we know supporters like them have been pivotal with our longevity,” said Diane Palmer, Executive Director.

The mouth is a mirror of the body and often reflects signs of other diseases. MFD’s program gives renewed hope and confidence for patients served. Many of those treated haven’t had access to oral health for long periods in their lives. Also, others require their oral health to be addressed before receiving medical clearance for procedures such as organ transplants or cancer therapies.

As an example of the difference that MFD program makes, a recent new patient commented, “For years, I’ve been searching for help. After years, no help was found. Somehow, I ran across your organization. I feel as if I have a future now… no more isolating… no more what happened to your teeth.”
Over the past year, 300 patients were treated through MFD’s program. The value of donated dental services was $735,300, and the value of donated dental lab services totaled $51,700. To date, MFD has served over 13,000 patients with donated dental services exceeding $25 million and dental lab services totaling $1.4 million.

“The Maryland Foundation of Dentistry is crucial in providing essential oral health care to people with disabilities, ensuring everyone receives the care they deserve,” said Kenzie Ferguson, vice president of Foundation and Corporate Social Responsibility for Delta Dental of California and affiliates. “We are proud to support this organization, which helps us deliver on our purpose to improve health by providing access to quality care.”
About the Maryland Foundation of Dentistry

Since 1989, MFD has coordinated free dental care statewide to restore oral health for adults with developmental, intellectual, and/or physical disabilities. Services are provided through a network of volunteer dentists who treat patients in their offices with dental labs producing prostheses at generously discounted rates that MFD pays for. To learn more, visit: https://www.mfd-dds.org.
About the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation
The Delta Dental Community Care Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of California and its affiliated companies, including Delta Dental Insurance Company, Delta Dental of Pennsylvania and Delta Dental of New York, Inc. Since 2011, the Community Care Foundation has awarded more than $150 million in funding and support to increase access to quality dental care, oral health education, and to advance scientific research across the company’s 15-state service area and Washington, D.C. For more information about the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation, please visit https://www1.deltadentalins.com/foundation.html

Learn about the Delta Dental Foundation’s commitment to fostering community health through various initiatives. Explore our efforts here!

05/22/2024

New Executive Committee Members Elected at MFD

The Maryland Foundation of Dentistry (MFD) elected a new slate of Executive Committee members whose two-year terms become effective on July 1, 2024. The members include:
· Dr. Janet Yellowitz, President
· Dr. Tristram Kruger, Vice President
· Dr. Edward Chappelle, Treasurer
· Dr. Tamara Leary, Secretary
· Dr. Spencer Hornstein, Immediate Past President

Commenting on her role as the incoming President, Dr. Yellowitz said, “In MFD's landmark 35th year, I'm honored to serve as Board President and work with a committed group of colleagues who are focused on supporting critically-needed dental care for Maryland adults with disabilities. With the Board President transition, I sincerely thank Dr. Spencer Hornstein who has done a fantastic job both as a board leader and Donated Dental Services volunteer." Dr. Yellowitz is the Director of Geriatric Dentistry at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry in Baltimore.

Dr. Yellowitz also expressed gratitude for all MFD board members and said she's inspired by the opportunity to work with them, MFD’s staff, and other stakeholders to help carry the organization forward at a pivotal time. Current Executive Committee members whose terms expire on June 30, 2024 include:
· Dr. Spencer Hornstein, President
· Dr. Janet Yellowitz, Vice President
· Anthony Cuozzo, Jr., Treasurer
· Debbie Schmidt, Secretary
· Dr. Mary Ziomek, Immediate Past President

Dr. Hornstein is thrilled to remain connected to MFD’s board in the capacity of Immediate Past President. He said, “I’ve truly enjoyed working with everyone in my role as MFD Board President and am encouraged by the enthusiasm and momentum demonstrated for MFD’s next chapter. Dr. Hornstein operates Dentistry of Bethesda and generously treats MFD patients on a routine basis.

Anthony Cuozzo, Jr, Senior Advisor, at accounting firm Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell, is stepping down effective June 30, 2024 as MFD Board Treasurer. Tony has served in this role for the vast majority of the MFD’s 35-year existence, and the MFD board is gathering in late June to honor his dedicated service. Additionally, Dr. Larry Greenbaum, longtime board member and Donated Dental Services volunteer, has moved off MFD’s board. His steadfast commitment to upholding MFD’s mission is greatly appreciated.

Currently, there are several vacant board member slots that MFD seeks to fill. If you know of potential candidates with legal, human resources, or marketing/communications expertise, please contact Diane Palmer, Executive Director: [email protected].

05/01/2024

MFD Hosts "Treating Dental Patients With Autism" course

During Autism Awareness Month in April, the Maryland Foundation of Dentistry (MFD) was pleased to host a continuing education course last month in partnership with the Maryland Academy of General Dentistry. Titled “Treating Dental Patients with Autism and Special Needs,” the engaging and informative session was led by Trish Kane, Deputy Director of Pathfinders for Autism, a Hunt Valley, MD nonprofit whose mission is to support and improve the lives of individuals with autism through expansive, customized programming, and by providing resources, training, information, and activities.

Close to 50 in-person and virtual attendees participated in the course including dentists, hygienists, Howard University College of Dentistry students, and MFD board members. The goals of the course were to:

· Educate attendees about autism
· How those with the autism spectrum disorder are affected physically and emotionally
· How dentists should understand and appreciate each patient as a unique individual with varying behaviors and communications styles
· Help dentists provide flexible office environments and communication techniques for dental visits to be productive.

Dr. Janet Yellowitz, MFD Vice President, and Dr. Larry Katkow, MFD board member, secured Ms. Kane as the presenter and coordinated with the Maryland AGD that was issuing the CE credits. Regarding the course, Dr. Yellowitz commented, I’ve attended Trish’s trainings before, but I learn something new every time.” Dr. Eric Kneussl, a Baltimore dentist who attended the course commented, “Thank you for a nice course. I enjoyed it very much.”

Pathfinders for Autism resources that were shared include a guide for healthcare providers titled, “Your Next Patient Has Autism: Are You Prepared?” and a guide for parents/caretakers offering tips to prepare children for dental visits. Educational resources can be accessed at pathfindersforautism.org. MFD looks forward to offering more continuing education courses in the future. Stay tuned for announcements.

MFD welcomes new dentist volunteers to join its network of providers that offer pro bono services to restore oral health for low-income Maryland adults with intellectual, developmental, and/or physical disabilities. Contact Diane Palmer at [email protected]; 410-964-1944 x103.

04/02/2024

03/28/2024

Deeply grateful to have Sandy Spring Bank sponsor the "Treating Dental Patients with Autism" course hosted by the Maryland Foundation of Dentistry on April 11 in Columbia, MD. We welcome dentists and hygienists to join us, and you will earn 2 Continuing Education credits.

Learn how to provide compassionate and effective dental care to patients with autism and special needs at our in-person/virtual event.

03/04/2024

Treating Patients with Autism and Special Needs is a course being offered for dentists and their staff in Columbia, MD on April 11, 2024 from 6-8:30 p.m. The event is free for Donated Dental Services dentists and hygienists; $25 for other dental professionals. The Maryland Foundation of Dentistry is pleased to host this hybrid event in partnership with Pathfinders for Autism and the Maryland Academy of General Dentistry with 2 CE credits being awarded. Please join us to enhance treatment and communication strategies!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/treating-dental-patients-with-autism-and-special-needs-tickets-819010471367?aff=oddtdtcreator

12/12/2023

MFD expresses heartfelt thanks to the Delaplaine Foundation, Inc. for a grant that will help people with disabilities access free dental care to restore oral health and dental function.

Diane Palmer, MFD Executive Director, was grateful to meet Blair Wilson, program director (left); Delaplaine Foundation, Inc. Chairman George B. Delaplaine, Jr. and President Marlene Young during a visit to the foundation's office.

10/09/2023

Let's cheer it for Cricket Wireless' Baltimore Smiles Tour! The Maryland Foundation of Dentistry was thrilled to meet so many wonderful people over the weekend. We distributed dental kits while providing oral care information and spreading the word about our program that offers free dental care to people with disabilities that can't afford critically needed services. The Lady Bearcats cheerleaders were the sweetest doing their Cricket cheer!

09/26/2023

The Cricket Wireless Smiles tour kickoff in Baltimore was so much fun last Friday! Cricket brought the food, fun, and festivities. The Maryland Foundation of Dentistry brought the dental education - a great combination!!

05/23/2023

The Maryland Foundation of Dentistry is grateful to be featured in this Baltimore TV news station story. With more volunteer dentists like our board member Dr. Denise Markoff, we can give even more Maryland residents like Jacqueline back their oral health, smiles and confidence!

A non-profit organization that provides free dental care is facing a shortage of dentists, resulting in extensive wait lists that can stretch more than a year.

03/28/2023

During Women's History Month, taking pride in progress with representation increasing in the dental field:

A look at the impact women have had on the field of dentistry over the years